Zimabwe's world-class wicket-keeper/batsman, Andy Flower, has angrily refuted claims emanating from India that his left thumb is not as badly injured as reported.

Speaking to CricInfo earlier today, he said: "I received a knock on my left thumb when I took the first ball of the fourth day of the Second Test, bowled by Andy Blignaut. I kept on for the remaining 20 overs or so of the innings but, when I found I could not hold a bat, I saw a doctor.

"An MRI scan revealed that the thumb was dislocated and a ligament had been torn from the bone. I have got to have an operation on Tuesday to re-attach the ligament and will then have the hand in plaster for some four to five weeks."

Flower has been ever-present in Zimbabwean international teams since he made his debut in the 1992 World Cup in Australia.

That in itself is a remarkable record and it is regrettable that scurrilous stories should have been circulated suggesting that he had other motives for missing this triangular series involving India and the West Indies as well as the host country, and then the two Test Matches against the West Indies which follow.

While his absence in the middle order and behind the stumps will be a severe blow to the Zimbabweans, listeners to CricInfo.com's audio coverage will benefit from Andy Flower's presence in the commentary box.