Lara: "I don't think there is any possibility of me sitting out this one." - File PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC:
WEST INDIES captain Brian Lara is still suffering with the effects of his dislocated little finger on the right hand, but he is keen to play in the second Test against England, starting tomorrow at Queen's Park Oval.
The West Indies captain had a light net session yesterday and indicated that the injury will not keep him out of the Test that the home team needs to win to keep alive their hopes of preserving the long cherished record of not losing a Test series to England in the Caribbean since 1968.
"There is still some swelling and stiffness in the joint, but I have every intention of playing," remarked Lara. "I don't think there is any possibility of me sitting out this one."
There was also good news that Dwayne Smith has been cleared to play, after he too, dislocated his fourth finger on his right hand during the West Indies training session in Jamaica prior to the first Test.
The WICB said in a news release that Smith, who was ruled out of that match, is also recovering well and is expected to be available for selection for the second Test.
Meanwhile, fast bowler Fidel Edwards, who suffered a lower back injury during the first Test in Jamaica, has been has been advised to take a minimum of two weeks rest.
"Edwards, as has been previously announced, will therefore miss the second Test match and will be reassessed prior to the third Test starting in Barbados on April 1 to determine his availability," the news release added.
Edwards will return to his native Barbados today, after attending the West Indies Players Association banquet in Port of Spain on Wednesday evening.
His brother, left-arm medium-fast bowler, Pedro Collins, has replaced him in the squad that had a hectic and vigorous workout this morning at the Queen's Park Oval.
The WICB release noted that Ravi Rampaul and Dwayne Bravo, who both trained with the squad yesterday, would serve as the emergency fieldsmen for the second Test.
