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Brathwaite's bowling action deemed legal

ICC clear part-timer to continue bowling after being being forced to undergo testing on his action last month

West Indies spinner Kraigg Brathwaite has passed an independent assessment of his action and is free to continue bowling, the International Cricket Council confirmed on Wednesday.

Brathwaite, an opening batsman and part-time off-spinner, had been reported for a suspect bowling action during his side's innings-and 209-run defeat by England in the first Test at Edgbaston last month.

In their report to the ICC following the match, match officials raised concerns over the legality of Brathwaite's action after he sent down six wicketless overs for six runs in his side’s defeat in Birmingham.

Image Id: 7DAC5A65CEEF4A12B17CE07D216AA3ED Image Caption: Brathwaite bowling in a Test against Pakistan in 2016 // Getty Images

The 24-year-old bowled just the single over in the ensuing Test -  an upset victory at Headingley – and underwent testing at Loughborough University following the Windies’ win.

All of Brathwaite's deliveries were "well within" the 15-degree permitted level of tolerance, according to the ICC.


Despite the test hanging over his head, Brathwaite starred for the Windies in their shock second Test win over England in Leeds.

A rare bright spot in the Test arena for the Windies in recent years, the right-hander struck his sixth ton in the first innings – a terrific 134 – before leading the Caribbean outfit to a drought-breaking five wicket victory with 95 on the final day of the match.

Twin tons power Windies to strong position

Brathwaite has since been signed by county side Yorkshire as a replacement for Australia batsman Shaun Marsh, and West Indies captain Jason Holder said he hopes to see more players from the Caribbean following in his footsteps. 

"I would love to see a lot more of our guys playing county cricket whenever the opportunity arises," Holder said last week.

"There is so much cricket playing now in the world and people tend to go the T20 route but it’s good to see Kraigg hanging around and playing the last two games for Yorkshire.

"Hopefully a lot more of our guys can get the opportunity to stay over here and play cricket and develop their trade. 

"I think it is something that each member of the dressing room has spoken about as well so it’s good to see that young players are keen on playing county cricket."