Warwickshire support for suspended spinner Holmes

Warwickshire have pledged their full support to off-spinner Maurice Holmes after he was suspended from bowling in county cricket due to concerns over his action.

The 21-year-old was reported by umpires during the Clydesdale Bank 40 match against Leicestershire on 1 May and the Second Xl Trophy match with Nottinghamshire on 13 June.

An initial ECB analysis of his action proved inconclusive due to Holmes bowling too slowly in the tests and he has been barred from playing pending a second study.

Dubbed the 'English Murali' for the similarity in his methods and those of the great Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, Holmes' registration with Warwickshire was initially delayed for a year when the ECB first decided he needed to remodel his action. A statement from Warwickshire yesterday read: "This decision is disappointing news to the club, who have pledged their full support to seeking a satisfactory outcome and a full return to competitive cricket for this promising 21-year-old right-arm spinner."

Director of cricket Ashley Giles, the former England spinner, added: "Maurice has an unusual action and has often been the focus of attention, but there is a strong belief that further analysis which will be conducted over the next few weeks will show that there is nothing illegal with his delivery and that he will be able to return to first-class cricket. We will be doing everything to assist Maurice in his endeavours."

l India wrapped up their series against the West Indies 1-0 when the third and final test ended in a draw in Dominica after a fine rearguard action from Shivnarine Chanderpaul.

India, who won the opening test in Jamaica then drew the last two, were 94 for three in their second innings, having been set 180 to win, when the players shook hands and agreed to an early finish after tea on the fifth day.

West Indies effectively saved the match after making 332 in their second innings, Chanderpaul finishing with an unbeaten 116 after putting on a crucial 37 over, 65-run partnership with Fidel Edwards (30) for the ninth wicket.

Chanderpaul celebrated becoming the most capped West Indian in tests with his 23rd ton in 133 tests and it was a typically gritty innings from the Guyanese left-hander.

He struck just five fours from 343 deliveries and was named man of the match.

India's next international duty is a tour of England starting later this month.