Fiji have been dealt a major blow a week before the start of the ICC World Cricket League Division 4 after Neil Maxwell had to withdraw through injury. Maxwell, who is also a leading cricket agent to the likes of Brett Lee, faces a long lay-off after tearing his knee ligaments.

Colin Siller, Fiji's coach, admitted that losing such an important player was a massive blow to their hopes, but he was still trying to remain positive. "It's like losing Pele before a match and we can't afford to lose players of his calibre," Siller told the Fiji Times. "He was our best bowler and batsman ... we can still win the tournament but it will be a lot tougher now.

"I feel the players have really come together following Neil's withdrawal and they're not going to take it lying down. They now realise that they need to step up to the task now that Neil is not available."

Maxwell has been replaced in the squad by the experienced Jone Sorovakatini.