Ramnarine bound for New York (5 December 1998)

5 December 1998

Ramnarine bound for New York

By Garth Wattley

"It was a big disappointment but there are some things in life that you have no control of."

He has had to give up the biggest challenge of his young career. But 23-year-old Trinidad and Tobago and West Indies leg-spinner Dinanath Ramnarine is philosophical about the injury that has ended his participation in the current West Indies tour of South Africa.

Instead of getting ready for the crucial Second Test in Port Elizabeth next week, Ramnarine will be in a specialist's office in New York seeking treatment on his injured right shoulder.

Ramnarine was withdrawn from the tour after his only game against Orange Free State in Bloemfontein.

But 'Dinas' is not complaining.

"It would have been unfair to the team and unfair to myself to stay," Ramnarine told the Express yesterday.

In the Free State match, the leggie sent down 29 overs, during which time the pain in the shoulder increased.

"I had a problem with my shoulder for a little while. Ramnarine recalled. "But I was able to bowl and not able to throw."

The problem according to him began to surface just after the Test series against England where he made his Test debut.

But Ramnarine says there was no significant effect on his bowling during the Red Stripe Bowl One-day series.

"I felt good," he said, conceding immediately that "I did not bowl as many overs to really test it out.

"When I had a long spell against Orange Free State, it began to hurt." Now he's hoping for some quick healing.

The spinner, who has previously taken medication for the problem-although not since he has returned home-is hoping that the New York specialist can give him the perfect treatment and some good news. "I am hoping this thing can be cleared up so I can play for T&T and then against Australia," Ramnarine said.

And 'Dinas' is also hoping that he can repay the faith shown in him by many members of the public.

"I want to thank the people for the support they have given me," he ended.

"I feel very motivated that everybody is behind me and supporting me. Even Petrotrin the company I work for has been very supportive."

Source :: The Trinidad Express (https://www.trinidad.net/express/)