ROSEAU, Dominica, CMC – Dominica Cricket Association president, Emmanuel Nanthan says the local cricketing fraternity is throwing its full support behind embattled West Indies off-spinner Shane Shillingford.
Shillingford, who took five wickets in the drawn first Test match against Sri Lanka last week, was reported by the match officials for a suspect bowling action and will have to undergo testing to determine if his bowling action is legal.
“I must say that at this time Shane Shillingford has our full support and backing. We know that Shane can bowl as we have seen over the years,” said Nanthan, also a West Indies Cricket Board director.
“I have been privileged to manage him at the Under-19 level and I have full confidence in him. Once he remains focused and keeps his eyes on the big picture and not get distracted then he can go out there and do his best.
“We want to give full support to Shane and to encourage him to go out and to do the best that he can and we know that his best will be good enough.”
The 27-year-old Shillingford has played four Tests for West Indies since making his debut against South Africa in the Caribbean last June, and has become a key part of the side’s spin attack.
Despite being reported to cricket’s world governing body, the ICC, he was still picked in the final XI for the second Test which started in Colombo on Monday.
Nanthan said he backed Shillingford to pass the tests and continue his promising career.
“There are 21 days for the testing … and I am sure that he will pass whatever test and do whatever work that has to be done so that he can continue his bright and brilliant future at the international level,” said Nanthan.
“We expect Shane to pass whatever test that he is put through with flying colours and we wish him every success as he moves forward with his career as an international cricketer.”
