Lara Withdraws From Zimbabwe Tour

A chronic strain of the right hamstring muscle has forced West Indies batsman, Brian Lara, to withdraw from taking any further part in the West Indies' current tour of Zimbabwe.

The injury has been affecting the left-handed batsman for the past 10 months. Lara was advised when he sustained the strain that it would require rest in order to enable full recovery, but continued playing and training during three successive tours.

During this period, Lara was never more than 80 to 90% match fit at best. Since arriving in Zimbabwe, Lara has been experiencing a higher than normal intensity of pain and has been unable to participate properly in preparation for this series. After careful consideration by Lara and team management, it was decided that it was in Lara's best interest and in the interest of the future of the team that he be rested.

Lara returned to the Caribbean over this past weekend, and will be available to return to the team only after he has fully recovered from his injury. No replacement has been named for the left-handed batman.

"This is a blow to the West Indies team and to cricket fans in Zimbabwe who were looking forward to seeing Brian for the first time as a Test player. However, it's a necessary step if Brian is to return to his best form in the future," said team manager, Ricky Skerritt.

Lara himself commented that he "regretted having to make this decision" but that the injury had reached the point where it had prevented him from preparing properly for performing.

"I am looking forward to returning to the team at the earliest opportunity," said Lara.

Meanwhile, wicketkeeper Courntey Browne and leg spinner Dave Mohammed will replace Ridley Jacobs and Dinanath Ramnarine respectively for the Kenya leg of the West Indies tour.

The WICB have offered no explanation as to why Jacobs or Ramnarine were being replaced. However, chairman of selectors, Michael Findlay in an interview said that Jacobs was being rested. While in Kenya, the West Indies will play two four-day matches and three One-Day Internationals.