Chanderpaul coming but Lara concerns continue

West Indies were boosted Friday by news that key middle order batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul has been cleared to tour Sri Lanka next month following tests on his back.

The left-handed Chanderpaul missed Thursday's training because he underwent a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan but he was able to resume training on Friday.

"Chanderpaul has been cleared of any serious muscular damage to his bothersome back and has been responding to treatment," West Indies manager Ricky Skerritt is reported to have told CMCsport in Kingston, Jamaica.

Despite the good news West Indian preparations are still be overshadowed by continuing injury doubts over star batsman Brian Lara and wicket-keeper Ridley Jacobs.

A number of players have also voiced concerns over safety in Sri Lanka after the America attacks in Afganistan and with elections scheduled for December 5.

Hooper informed reporters of his concern due to possible repercussions last Sunday and Ramnaresh Sarwan commented it was "quite a worry" and admitted that: "I am a bit scared going there, knowing what's happening between the United States and Afganistan.

West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) President Rev. Wes Hall, who met with Sri Lankan officials in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, before giving the all clear for the tour, has apparently taken on the task of easing the player's fears at a meeting on Monday.

At the present moment in time the situation is completely calm and there is little doubt that West Indians biggest worry should be the fitness of their star player, for what is certain to be a very tough tour. Lara undertook a MRI scan earlier this week on his injured hamstring. The team doctor has already submitted his report, but decision has been made, publicly at least.

According to Skerritt: "We have just received the report on Brian's complete fitness from the doctor. Remember, he did a complete physical examination and the selectors, with Brian, will make a decision on his availability in the not too distant future."

Lara did train with other members of the squad on Friday and is reported to have "showed no sign of physical discomfort" by CMCsport. Wavell Hinds, the Jamaica middle-order batsman, who some believe should be in the squad in any event, has been drafted in to the training camp as cover.

Wicketkeeper/batsman Ridley Jacobs, suffering from a swollen finger, has been unable to practise his glove-work since the training camp started but has batted in the nets. Courtney Browne is on stand-by for Sri Lanka.