West Indies' Brian Lara sips water as he takes a rest during his century knock that earned him the man-of-the-match award in the pool match between West Indies and Kenya in the ICC Champions Trophy in Colombo yesterday. West Indies won by 29 runs. - ReutersCOLOMBO, (Reuters):
BRIAN LARA'S participation in next month's West Indies tour of India may be in doubt after he was admitted to a Colombo hospital yesterday with suspected hepatitis.
Lara was hospitalised for a series of tests, expected to last at least 24 hours, after making 111 against Kenya in the Champions Trophy yesterday.
In an statement released during the match, West Indies team manager Ricky Skerritt said Lara had felt below par for a couple of days but was clearly much worse after his innings.
"Brian had discoloured eyes, they were yellowy-orange, there was weakness and he was de-hydrated," Skerritt told Reuters yesterday.
"He's gone to hospital for a series of tests including blood tests and they have started already. We should know more at some stage on Wednesday."
If the tests confirm Lara has hepatitis, it is likely to rule him out of the tour starting on October 4, which includes three Tests and seven one-day internationals.
Lara appeared in discomfort during his innings, which lacked his customary fluency. At various times was seen lying on his back during breaks in play, as well as crouching with his hands on his knees.
After he was dismissed, a doctor was called to examine him and the decision was taken to admit him to hospital.
Hepatitis is an illness that primarily affects the liver. It has various forms, is potentially serious and symptoms include a general lethargy.
Skerritt sad it was too early to speculate on whether Lara's condition would rule him out of the India tour but added: "We have three of the five selectors here so we would be in a position to chose a replacement."
The West Indies selectors in Sri Lanka are captain Carl Hooper, coach Roger Harper and chairman of selectors Vivian Richards. The other selectors are Joey Carew and Gordon Greenidge.
Hooper said: "I hope it doesn't come to that because he's vital for us in India, a key figures in our side.
"But if it does come to that we'll have to get together to select the best possible choice."
Hooper, who shared a third-wicket partnership of 64 with Lara, said the left-hander was clearly not well while they batted together.
"He was struggling, he was very weak," he said.
"But it was important for him to stay out there for as long as possible and try and get as much as he could while he was there.
"It's sad but I'm happy he came through for us today. If he had retired hurt I don't think he would have come back," Hooper added.
