Shillingford raring to go after remedial work on bowling action
ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) — Shane Shillingford will play in the Regional Four-Day Tournament this weekend, after undergoing remedial work on his bowling action.
The 31-year-old off-spinner is set to appear for third-placed Windward Islands, when they face leaders Jamaica in their fourth round match, starting today at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica.
Shillingford was suspended from bowling in international cricket by the International Cricket Council (ICC) after he was reported to the ICC for suspected illegal actions during the Test series in India last year.
“Obviously, I am extremely happy that I will be playing this weekend,” said Shillingford who has played 14 Tests for West Indies, grabbing 65 wickets at 32.32 apiece. He has never appeared in a one-day or Twenty20 International for the regional side.
“I have put in a lot of hard work over the past few months. It was a bit tough at first, but once the coaches told me what I had to do, I went straight to work. I just had to be really patient and I worked really hard.”
Shillingford underwent remedial work in Barbados under the guidance of former Barbados and West Indies fast bowler Vasbert Drakes with input from West Indies head coach Ottis Gibson.
“I am happy for the advice that I have received from the coaches, especially Vasbert, and I must also thank everyone for the support they have given me during this period,” he said.
Shillingford also underwent a biomechanical bowling analysis conducted by a research team at the University of Western Australia on March 4 in Perth.
“It’s great to have Shane playing first-class cricket again and I’m sure Windwards are delighted to have him back,” said WICB Director of Cricket Richard Pybus.
“We look forward to getting the results of his re-test in Perth, so that he can re-start his international career.”
He has played 66 regional four-day matches for the Windwards since his debut 13 years ago, capturing 289 wickets at 21.54 apiece.
Shillingford requires 11 more wickets to become only the second bowler to take 300 in the history of the modern regional four-day format, which dates back to 1966.
