Sussex paceman James Kirtley has been suspended by the England and Wales Cricket Board after scientific analysis of his bowling action determined it to be illegal.

The former England Test bowler, who won four caps in 2003 and also played in 11 one-day internationals between 2001 and 2004, was mentioned in two reports from umpires following county matches in the 2005 season.

The 30-year-old agreed to have his action scrutinised at the ECB's National Cricket Centre in Loughborough last month.

Loughborough University's Dr M A King carried out the independent assessment and declared Kirtley's action to exceed the maximum 15 degrees 'elbow extension' allowed.

Kirtley must now alter his action before being allowed to return.

Sussex's professional cricket manager Mark Robinson said: "We are obviously disappointed for both James and Sussex, and the club is looking to digest and analyse the information in order to formulate the right plan for the way ahead."