James Kirtley banned by England

James Kirtley: little to celebrate © Getty Images Enlarge

James Kirtley, the former England seamer, has been suspended from bowling by the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) after an independent assessment of his action at the National Cricket Centre.

The assessment was undertaken at the beginning of the month by Dr Mark King, an expert from Loughborough University, after Kirtley was reported to the ECB twice during the 2005 season. King concluded that Kirtley's action was outside ICC limits. The finding means that he cannot bowl until further tests show that he had rectified the faults.

"It is disappointing and frustrating to be in this position again," said Kirtley, "but from the experiences of last time I know the processes involved and am confident of clearing my name."

Kirtley is no stranger to such problems. In 2001-02 his England one-day debut was overshadowed by his being reported by the match referee in Zimbabwe, although he underwent remedial work and was subsequently allowed to continue. He has since played four Tests. He will now work on his action with Troy Cooley, England's bowling coach, and will be re-examined when the problems have been ironed out.

"We are obviously disappointed for both James and Sussex," Mark Robinson, the Sussex manager, told the BBC. "The club is looking to digest and analyse the information in order to formulate the right plan for the way ahead."