Walsh to have painful foot scanned

Courtney Walsh is to have a scan on Saturday to ascertain the extent of an injury to his right foot that has kept him out of action since his heroic efforts in the second Test ten days ago.

West Indies manager Ricky Skerritt said Walsh was having 'continuous pain' from the arch of his right foot and the scan was precautionary to 'make sure it is okay'.

The 37-year-old champion fast bowler has not played in the three matches in the triangular NatWest Series of One-Day Internationals.

But, with the West Indies needing to win their next three to have a chance of qualifying for the July 22 final, Skerritt said he would not be completely ruled out for the weekend double-header at Chester-le- Street, against England on Saturday and Zimbabwe on Sunday.

'The selectors want to look at every option,' he said. 'Courtney could play if he took pain-killers but it would be a risk and he is needed for the remaining three Tests.'

Injury ' strained ligaments in his right forearm ' has also kept Shivnarine Chanderpaul out of the NatWest Series so far.

Skerritt said it would need a little more time to heal but noted that Chanderpaul 'would play if he has to'.

The likelihood is that neither Walsh nor Chanderpaul, both experienced cricketers essential to the balance of the Test team, will be rushed back. The onus will be on the newer players to do the job.