West Indies to stick with Shillingford for second test

The second Test between hosts Sri Lanka and West Indies will start tonight at 11:30 Jamaica time at the Premadasa Stadium with offspinner Shane Shillingford, who was reported for a suspect bowling action, expected to retain his place in the Caribbean side.



West Indies coach Ottis Gibson said he is looking forward to Shillingford making an impact in the match, after he collected five wickets for 202 runs in the first Test.



The International Cricket Council announced on Saturday that the bowling action of the off-spinner is now under review following the first Test against Sri Lanka, which ended in a draw on Friday at the Galle International Stadium to leave the three-Test series level 0-0.



He has 21 days from the time the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) received the report to submit an independent analysis of his bowling action. Until the WICB receives a report of the assessment, however, Shillingford will be allowed to continue bowling in international cricket.



The West Indies will be strengthened by the return of left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn, who missed the first Test due to a ban.



Sri Lanka have made two changes to their squad by dropping fast bowlers Dammika Prasad and Thilan Thushara. The selectors have recalled seamer Nuwan Kulasekara, and include a newcomer Shaminda Eranga in their 16-member squad.



The change follows criticism of the bowling in the opening Test by Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara.



In the opening Test Jamaican opener Chris Gayle scored a Test-best 333 to lead West Indies to 580 for nine declared in their first innings.