Kirtley: Doubts over his action Photo © Paul McGregor CricInfo

James Kirtley, the Sussex and England A bowler, hopes that the England and Wales Cricket Board will clear him for a return to international action, when a panel meets on Tuesday to discuss doubts over his bowling action.

The New Zealand authorities expressed concern to the ECB at the end of the A tour last winter, and though Kirtley heard no more about it, it has emerged that this is the reason for his omission from the England A tour to the West Indies this winter.

The full story only became clear when David Graveney replied to the Sussex Chief Executive, Dave Gilbert. Gilbert had written to the Chairman Of Selectors in September to vent his surprise and anger at Kirtley's omission.

Kirtley admits that his action is unusual, but explains that there is a reasonable explanation: "It's a quirk I have had since I first started bowling at school," he admitted.

"My joints hyper-extended beyond 180 degrees and my elbow bends a bit like an archery bow."

"It can look worse from behind the arm, but I have never been reported or called in six years of playing first-class cricket."

Although Kirtley is not allowed to attend the hearing, coach Peter Moores will argue his case. He has prepared videos of Kirtley aimed at demonstrating the hyper-extension.

"I am not even considering that they will not say they are fully satisfied with my action on Tuesday," confesses Kirtley.

"What is upsetting is that if there had been an issue, it should have been cleared up when I got back from New Zealand last December."