Spinner Nick Beard's action cleared

Nick Beard, the Otago spinner, has had his bowling action cleared after he underwent biometric testing in Australia. He will be available for selection for Otago Volts in New Zealand's 2015-16 domestic season.

Beard's action was under the scanner last season, after which he travelled to Australia in December to get it tested. After taking a break from domestic cricket to work on his action, he returned to Australia in April for further biometric testing.

Beard said he was pleased with his remodelled action being within the legal limits. "I am delighted to have passed the tests. I'm extremely confident that I am ready to play domestic cricket again. I have made significant changes to my action and have got that to a point where I feel really good at the crease," Beard told The Southland Times. "Now that I know my new action is definitely legal I can dedicate the remainder of the off season to honing my skills and becoming more consistent. I would like to thank Paul Wiseman, Mark Bracewell and New Zealand Cricket for the support they have given me through this process."

Beard, 25, has taken 63 wickets in 34 first-class matches.

Nathan King, Volts' assistant coach, was happy with Beard's progress. "We would like to congratulate Beard on the work he has done to get to this point. His promising career can now continue and that is great news for the Otago Volts," King said. "The timing of this announcement is fantastic as we now have clarity around his position for the contracting process that we are about to commence."