Samuels' action cleared by ICC

Marlon Samuels, the West Indies batsman and part-time offspinner, has had his bowling action cleared by the ICC after undergoing significant remedial work.

An independent test found his action to be legal and the player has been cleared to resume bowling in international cricket, reports ESPNcricinfo.

"A comprehensive analysis revealed that his mean elbow extension was now comfortably within the 15-degree level of tolerance permitted under the relevant regulations," the ICC said in a statement.

"During the original test on 11 February 2008, his mean elbow extension had been calculated to be in excess of 15 degrees."

Samuels was reported for a suspect action by the umpires in the third Test between South Africa and West Indies in Durban in January 2008.

On-field umpires Simon Taufel and Aleem Dar and third umpire Brian Jerling reported their doubts over his action, especially with respect to his "fast" deliveries. Roshan Mahanama, the match referee, subsequently informed both the ICC and the West Indies team management of the report, as per the ICC regulations governing the reporting process.

The analysis of Samuels' action was conducted by professor Bruce Elliott, a member of the ICC Panel of Human Movement Specialists, and his team at the School of Sport Science, Exercise and Health at the University of Western Australia on September 14

As with all bowlers who are tested, Samuels' action will continue to be scrutinised by match officials to ensure it remains legal. He has taken seven Test wickets at an average of 127 and 57 ODI wickets at 43.24.

ICC chief happy with 50-over format

International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive Haroon Lorgat has ruled out changes to 50-over format despite a proposal put forward by Indian great Sachin Tendulkar.

Despite the success of the World Cup earlier this year Tendulkar, the most prolific batsman in one-day internationals, wrote to Lorgat last month suggesting four 25-over innings rather than the traditional 50-over format.

However, Lorgat said the ICC saw no reason to change.

"I was engaged with Sachin a long time back on his thinking on the 50-over format," Lorgat said at the launch of the ICC's Twenty20 World Cup which will be hosted by Sri Lanka next year.

"I met with him during the World Cup and he gave me a written proposal which we took to the cricket committee in May.

"The cricket committee considered the proposal. But the view of the committee which was supported by the Board was that the 50-over format was sound now and there was no need for dramatic changes to make at this stage."

Tendulkar's letter also proposed changes in voluntary powerplays - the fielding restrictions brought in to make the game more exciting in the 1990s.