Injured Timbawala out for six months

Ravi Timbawala, one of USA's most promising young batsmen, could be out of action for at least six months after being diagnosed with a torn ACL in his right knee. Timbawala, 25, suffered the injury on the final day of action at the USACA T20 National Championship in Florida while playing for the South West Region against New York on the main stadium wicket at the Central Broward Regional Park.

The incident occurred in the fifth over of the match with Timbawala batting on eight when he stroked a single off New York left-arm spinner Barrington Bartley to mid off. After a misfield opened the possibility of a second run, Timbawala's right foot got caught in the turf while attempting to turn to go back. Timbawala said he felt a pop in his right knee.

The concern was evident on the field as Bartley immediately went to assist Timbawala, who by this point was down on the ground. He was eventually carried off the field by two South West team-mates and took no further part in the event. Timbawala told ESPNcricinfo on Friday that he has initially tried to rehabilitate the injury through physical therapy, but that he may be forced to have surgery to repair the ligament damage.

Prior to the injury, Timbawala had been in contention for a spot on USA's squad to Malaysia for the ICC World Cricket League Division Three. After starring for USA at U-19 level, Timbawala made his USA senior team debut in 2013, top-scoring for the team with 44 in the two-day Auty Cup match against Canada. He was the leading scorer in Division One of the Southern California Cricket Association in 2010 and 2011, and is currently in the top five for this current season despite missing two games. Over the last five years, Timbawala has scored nine centuries in the SCCA Division One competition, more than any other player.