Sussex's James Kirtley has taken the first steps in trying to clear his name.

The 26-year-old was reported to the ICC by match referee Colonel Nashaud Ali for a suspect bowling action when he made his England debut during the recent one-day series in Zimbabwe.

Kirtley's action was cleared by the ECB following exhaustive tests a year ago but their procedures do not apply to international cricket so the county's vice-captain is having to go through the whole process again before he can resume his England career.

Kirtley and Sussex coach Peter Moores attended a meeting at Lord's earlier this week with England physiologist Nigel Stockhill.

They have six weeks before submitting fresh evidence to the ICC that the quirk in Kirtley's action is caused by a hyper-extended elbow.

Moores said: "James and I both felt that it was a really constructive meeting. We are going to have to produce new video analysis but we're confident that what we do will be very thorough and prove beyond doubt that James's action is legal.

"He can then continue his career both with Sussex and England."

Kirtley played three matches on the tour, taking three wickets and impressing captain Nasser Hussain and coach Duncan Fletcher with his performances.

The England management are also fully behind Kirtley in his battle to clear his name once and for all.

"I was really pleased with the support I got, both out there and when I came back to England from family, friends and Sussex supporters," said Kirtley.

"It's almost a year since I was cleared by the ECB and as far as I'm concerned nothing has changed with my action.

"Hopefully everything will be sorted out before Christmas, I'm confident that I will be cleared and can carry on with my career."

Meanwhile Sussex will open their first season in Division One with a tough trip to Surrey, champions in two of the past three seasons.

The county begin the 2001 campaign at the Oval on April 19 with the first Championship match at Hove starting on the 24th against Somerset.