Williamson reported for suspect action

Kane Williamson, the part-time New Zealand offspinner, has been reported for a suspect bowling action following the second Test against West Indies in Trinidad. As per ICC regulations, Williamson will have to undergo testing of his action within 21 days, but can continue bowling until the results of the test are known.

Williamson was reported by umpires Ian Gould, Richard Illingworth and Rod Tucker, and match referee Chris Broad, after the Test ended on Friday. Williamson had bowled 15.2 overs in the Test, for figures of 1 for 43. An ICC release said: "The umpires' report cited concerns over a number of deliveries that they considered to be suspect and believed that his action needed to be tested."

The report has been handed over to the New Zealand team manager.

Mike Hesson, New Zealand's head coach, said the move was not "completely unexpected" because of what appeared to be a "clampdown" on suspect bowling actions by the ICC.

"I wouldn't say it was completely unexpected and we are fully supportive of going through the process," Hesson told Radio Sport. "There is concern there but Kane has never changed the way he has bowled in international cricket over two years ago. There appears to be a clampdown by the ICC in terms of suspect action and, if that's the case, then I applaud that."

According to Hesson, the report had not pointed at any specific deliveries under scrutiny as Williamson did not bowl the doosra or the quicker one. He said the cricketer was "miffed" at the timing of the report, but hoped that the ICC would show consistency in reporting bowlers for suspect actions.

"He's a little miffed really because he hasn't changed the way he bowls in two years," Hesson said. "He's just miffed with the timing of it. But, as I said, if they are going to make a clampdown on illegal action, then that's fine. All that Kane wants to see, and all any player wants to see, is a level of consistency."

Williamson will be available to bowl during the third Test against West Indies and the two T20s. He will then travel to England to join Yorkshire for the county season and will also have his action tested in Loughborough.

New Zealand's Test series against West Indies is currently tied at 1-1, with the third Test set to begin in Barbados on June 26.