Out of operation

Sherwin Campbell has finally had the shoulder operation he needed. And it will keep him completely out of the cricket for three months he cannot even practise or go jogging.

The Barbados captain and out-of-favour West Indies opening batsman underwent the operation on his right shoulder at the Belair Hospital in New York on June 20.

It lasted for about an hour and was performed by Dr. Answorth Allen, who has advised Campbell not to take part in any form of cricket until September.

It (the shoulder) needs complete rest. The doctor says everything should be fine after September and I shouldn't have any problems after that, Campbell told NATIONSPORT yesterday.

The West Indies' most reliable opening batsman in the last five years was not surprised by Dr Allen's advice about his total nonparticipation from the sport.

He was prepared for what to expect when he first visited the specialist on May 8, a day before a One-Day International against South Africa at Kensington Oval when there was speculation that the West Indies selectors were about to recall him.

When I went to see the doctor earlier, he told me it would take about two to three months to recover any way, Campbell said.

I knew before, so that's why I waited until the time was right.

The injury was sustained last October during the regional Red Stripe Bowl when Campbell made a dive in attempting to field a ball in Barbados' match against Trinidad and Tobago.

It started to affect his throwing during the West Indies' tour of Australia that ran from November to February this year.

When Campbell returned to the Caribbean, he said he would put the operation on hold. It was delayed until this time because of his nonselection for the current tours of Zimbabwe and Kenya.

The 30-year-old Campbell will begin therapy in two weeks and by the time he can resume training, he'll have just a few weeks to prepare himself for this year's Red Stripe Bowl.

I don't think I'll be rusty, Campbell said. I think I'll be refreshed and be eager to play some cricket.

Campbell, who will visit Dr Allen again in September, said the shoulder was not causing him any pain.

The day after the operation it was a bit sore, he said. It was uncomfortable to sleep because I had my hand in a sling. After that, it felt good.

It is a matter of giving it as much rest as possible and try not to do many things with my right hand.