Lawson unlikely for Sri Lanka Tests

Jermaine Lawson is unlikely to play any part in the West Indies' forthcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka, but whether this is due to a back injury or his suspect action is unclear. According to The Barbados Nation, neither Ricky Skerritt, the West Indies manager, nor Brian Lara have received any official reports on Lawson's progress.

Lawson's action was reported by the umpires and investigated by the match referee Mike Procter during the fourth Test against Australia in Antigua last month. Lawson took a Test-best 7 for 78 in the match, but has since been working with a specialist advisor appointed by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), along with a specialist from the ICC, in order to straighten out the kink in his delivery. To make things worse, he has since suffered a back injury which ruled out any chance of a comeback in the one-day series against Australia and Sri Lanka.

Lara admitted he wasn't too hopeful about Lawson's chances of making the starting XI for the first Test against Sri Lanka, starting on June 20. "We are not sure about the situation with Lawson," he said. "To be honest with you, I've tried to find out a few things. I understand he is now starting to bowl because of his fitness. He was not selected because of the situation with his bowling, but more because of his fitness.

"Remedying his bowling is now about to start," added Lara. "My own opinion is that it will be difficult to see him getting ready for the first Test match next week."