Kirtley cleared for a return to action

James Kirtley has been cleared of throwing by an ECB panel.

Having studied video evidence, supplied by Sussex coach Peter Moores, the panel agreed that the 'kink' in Kirtley's action is caused by "hyper-extension" of the elbow.

Moores explained: "We had a lot of biomechanical analysis done and when the video footage we showed was slowed down you could see that James' unusual action was caused by the hyper-extension of his elbow.

"The club would have been disappointed had any other verdict been reached. Now he can get on with his career without this hanging over him."

The ECB panel comprised David Acfield (Chairman), Doug Insole (ICC throwing panel), David Graveney (PCA), Nigel Plews (retired umpire), Tony Dodemaide (MCC) and Bob Carter (coach).

The news will allow Kirtley to pursue his international ambitions. He was omitted from the 'A' team squad to the West Indies this winter after doubts were raised about his action by the New Zealand authorities last winter.

Kirtley has expressed disappointment that the matter took so long to resolve. It was only after Sussex wrote to Chairman of Selectors David Graveney in September, expressing anger at his omission, that the reasons became clear.