Walsh waiting on fitness test for Lord's

Courtney Walsh may be kept out of the NatWest Series match against England tomorrow due to an injury he suffered before the tournament started. If he plays, however, it will be almost last certainly his last international appearance at Lord's.

Whatever happens the 37 year-old Jamaican will leave Headquarters with memories of his outstanding effort (10-89) in the recent Test Match there. It was thought that the West Indies would include Walsh to make up for their disappointing defeat to Zimbabwe at Bristol. Yet with almost a full tournament and Test Match series ahead they would not want to do anything to risk his long-term fitness.

"He's been having problems and has gone for a scan," confirmed captain Jimmy Adams. "I saw him attempting to bowl at Bristol, but it caused him a lot of discomfort." Franklyn Rose, his Jamaican compatriot, is the favoured replacement if Courtney should not be fit but he had been wayward at Bristol. Sherwin Campbell, who had gone back to Barbados to be present when his daughter Robin was born, should bring a more positive approach to the top of the innings. Commentators felt that West Indies had lost the initiative in the critical overs at the start of play, and never really regained it.

Adams knows that this match is crucial as West Indies have lost two consecutive international matches. Success is important for both team morale and their supporters in the Caribbean. He is looking to the established players to put the team back on the winning way.

That will not be made any easier if Shivnarine Chanderpaul, an absentee at Bristol, should be out again with his injured elbow as is expected.