YORKSHIRE overseas player Kane Williamson has been banned from bowling in all cricket due to an illegal action.

The New Zealander, primarily a batsman, bowls useful part-time off-spinners, which have brought him eight wickets in County Championship and Twenty20 cricket combined this summer.

Williamson was reported for a suspect action during a recent Test series in the West Indies, and he had his action tested at Cardiff University on July 9.

The results were published today, with the ICC saying “most of his deliveries exceeded the 15 degrees level of tolerance (relating to the extension of his right elbow) permitted under the regulations”.

Williamson will only be allowed to recommence bowling duties once he has had his action legalised, which could happen before the end of the summer.

However, there is a chance that he could miss the last two Championship matches anyway because of commitments at the Champions League T20 with Northern Knights through mid to late September.

"I will concentrate on changing whatever's necessary to return to the bowling crease," said Williamson.

"The onus is on me to satisfy assessors as to the legality of my action, and I'm aware I have some hard work in front of me.”

Yorkshire coach Jason Gillespie has backed his player to overcome the setback.

“We know Kane works incredibly hard on all facets of his game, and there’s no doubt he’ll be working hard to be back bowling sooner rather than later,” he said.