ISLAMABAD (AP) — West Indies off-spinner Shane Shillingford has been banned from international cricket due to an illegal bowling action.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) said in a statement yesterday that an analysis on Shillingford's bowling action confirmed an elbow extension of 17 degrees — beyond the 15 degrees level permitted under cricket's laws.

Professor Bruce Elliott from the University of Western Australia performed the independent analysis. The ICC said Shillingford could appeal against the ban within 14 days.

The off-spinner was reported by onfield umpires Steve Davis and Richard Kettleborough, along with television umpire Asad Rauf, after the Test against Sri Lanka at Galle last month.

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) said it had received the report on Shillingford's action.

"The WICB and the Team Management Unit remain confident in his ability to perform at the highest level and see this latest development as a challenge which has been placed before him," WICB chief executive Dr Ernest Hilaire said in a statement.

"Shane is a tough cricketer who arrived on the international stage via the difficult route after years of toil on the regional circuit. We have no doubt that he will emerge from this test of his character."