West Indies coach Gibson speaks up for action suspected spinner

COLOMBO (Reuters) - West Indies head coach Ottis Gibson said the entire team were behind spin bowler Shane Shillingford after he was reported by International Cricket Council (ICC) officials for a suspected illegal bowling action on Saturday.

"I had a very good chat with Shane and he understands what is going on. We are 100 percent behind Shane," said Gibson.

The 27-year-old bowler was reported after the first test against Sri Lanka, which ended in a draw in Galle on Friday.

"The entire team is behind him and he knows he has our full support," Gibson said. "Our job is to keep Shane focussed on the upcoming match and the series.

"From what we have been told, he can play and he comes into our thinking as normal as we look ahead to the match.

"As a team we are looking forward to the upcoming match. Shane bowled very well for us in the last test and he's a key part of our bowling unit."

The spinner, who took five wickets in the first test, was given 21 days to submit to an independent analysis of his bowling action.

The ICC on Saturday reported Shillingford for a suspected illegal bowling action.

"The umpires' report has cited concern over the straightening of Shillingford's arm while bowling some deliveries to the degree that may constitute an illegal action," the ICC said in a statement.

"Shillingford's bowling action will now be scrutinised further under the ICC process."

Shillingford will have to submit to an independent analysis of his bowling action by a member of the ICC panel of human movement specialists within 21 days.