Gibson hopeful over bowlers’ actions

Otis Gibson the West Indies coach, is optimistic that Shane Shillingford and Marlon Samuels will receive positive news on their bowling actions following tests conducted in Perth, but it is not yet certain whether Shillingford will play in the opening Test against New Zealand after what Gibson conceded had been a tough time for the pair.

Samuels is all but certain to line up in the middle order as his primary role is with bat rather than ball, but Gibson wants more time to assess Shillingford’s mindset before making the final decision over which frontline spin option to go for in Dunedin.

Although both players are free to continue their international careers pending the report on their actions – which is expected in 14 days – the cloud surrounding them has taken its toll. Sunil Narine, who was a late addition to the squad, and left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul are the other slow bowlers available.

“When we travelled back on the plane we spoke about it. It’s tough for them, but I thought they coped with it quite well and will definitely come into the reckoning for this Test,” Gibson said. “Marlon bats for us more so than bowls so it shouldn’t be an issue for him, but with Shane I’ll speak to him again tonight and see how he is. He’ll have a good training session tomorrow and we’ll judge from there which of the spinners will play.”

Shillingford, Samuels and Gibson only arrived in Dunedin on Sunday morning – shortly before West Indies’ first training session of the tour – having travelled directly to Perth after the one-day series in India. Both players had their actions reported during the second Test against India, in Mumbai, and the ICC regulations required them to be tested within 21 days

The initial feedback from the people doing the testing was positive,” Gibson said. “The ICC set these rules or guidelines and the players have adhered to everything they were asked to do. We get a report in 14 days and we hope it’s a positive one so the players can put the episode behind them and focus on their cricket.”