Injury cuts short Best's Lashings stint

A side strain has cut short Tino Best's contract with Lashings World XI, and he is expected to return home to Barbados.

Best, who played 12 Tests for West Indies between 2004 and 2006, has signed up the Indian Cricket League (ICL), which has not been recognised by the ICC. He picked up the injury during Lashings' match against South Northumberland last Wednesday, and missed two games in order to recuperate.

However, the injury is more serious than initially thought, and Best has decided to go back home for treatment and rehabilitation. According to the club's website, he has been advised a minimum of six weeks' rest.

Best told the Nation he was aiming to recover in time for the ICL tournament later this year. "I need to be in the best of health and shape to go back to India, as Twenty20 cricket is very tough and demanding, especially for a fast bowler," he said. "This is seven years that I haven't been at home during the summer, and while it will allow me to be in Barbados at Crop-Over time (a five-week summer festival), my first priority is ensuring that I get the right treatment and necessary rest to recuperate."

Best joined the ICL earlier this year, which at present rules out any possibility of playing for West Indies.