Campbell, Samuels ruled out of Sharjah Test

Derrick Nicholas

February 6, 2002

As if the West Indies did not have enough to contend with already, two days ahead of the second Test, they have suffered two further setbacks.

Batsmen Marlon Samuels and Sherwin Campbell have sustained injuries of varying severity ahead of the second Test that opens on Thursday at the Sharjah Stadium.

"The management team has reported that Marlon complained of pain in his left knee during the team's second practice session prior to the first Test in Sharjah, the pain increased over the last few days, and he was taken to see an orthopaedic specialist," said Michael Hall, chief cricket operations officer of the West Indies Cricket Board.

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan revealed that a problem with the inner part of his knee bone had developed over time following arthroscopic knee surgery that the player had two years ago.

"The surgeon in Dubai recommends immediate corrective surgery to rectify the problem and Marlon has elected to have the surgery done there on Wednesday," Hall said.

"The prognosis is that he will not be able to return to cricket for another six to seven weeks."

Hall noted prior to the tour of Sri Lanka last November, Samuels, like all members of the side, had a full annual medical examination, complete with an orthopaedic check-up performed by Dr. Akshai Mansingh, an orthopaedic specialist and member of the WICB's medical panel.

At that time Samuels' condition posed no problem, but the progressive nature of the injury has changed the situation.

"There has been a slow, imperceptible deterioration, I am told, and this could have happened at any time," Hall explained.

Meantime Campbell, the former West Indies vice-captain, will have his return to international cricket short-circuited by a broken little finger on his right hand.

"It occurred when he was fielding on the fourth day of the first Test, and it had to be strapped heavily," Hall said.

"Although he batted in the second innings of the first Test with the injury, medical doctors have advised that he should not play for ten days."

Hall noted the Selection Committee had been told of the injuries and will deliberate with team management to decide if replacements should be flown out.

Just last month, officials of the WICB and its medical panel attended a workshop in Kingston, Jamaica, where a number of recommendations were discussed. During the West Indies' previous overseas tour to Sri Lanka, seven players had to return to the Caribbean with various injuries, or due to disciplinary reason and compassionate leave.

A report on the findings of the workshop has been prepared, which will be forwarded to the Executive Committee and the full board of directors for consideration in the coming weeks.

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