ST. JOHN'S, Antigua, WICB:
AS WEST Indies prepare for the decisive second and final Test against Pakistan, two members of the squad have suffered injuries.
Batsmen Marlon Samuels and Sherwin Campbell have sustained injuries of varying severity ahead of the second Test which starts tomorrow at the Sharjah Stadium.
"The management team has reported that Samuels complained of pain in his left knee during the team's second practice session before the first Test in Sharjah, the pain increased over the past few days, and he was taken to see an orthopaedic specialist," remarked 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 kneecap had developed following arthroscopic surgery 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 (today)," Hall said.
"The prognosis is that he will not be able to return to cricket for another six to seven weeks."
Hall said before the tour of Sri Lanka last November, Samuels, like all members of the side, had a full medical examination.
It was complete with an orthopaedic check-up performed by Dr. Akshai Mansingh, an orthopaedic specialist and a 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 said.
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, doctors have advised that he should not play for ten days."
Hall said the selection committee had been told of the injuries and will deliberate with team management to decide if replacements should be flown out.
