Gayle (left) and Rampaul. - File photosDURHAM CITY, England (CMC):
Beleaguered West Indies have been hit by injury again, in their build up to the crucial third Test starting atOld Trafford next Thursday.
Playing on the opening day of the three-day tour match against an MCC XI yesterday, injury plagued fast bowler Ravi Rampaul limped off with a groin injury after just three overs, while opener Chris Gayle suffered damage to his rib muscle.
The 22-year-old, touring again with the West Indies after a three-year injury break, sustained a minor groin tear and subsequently underwent an MRI scan at a local hospital.
West Indies physiotherapist Stephen Partridge confirmed that Rampaul will not be available for the upcoming Test, but said he would be assessed thereafter to determine his availability for the final match of the series at Chester-le-Street.
Injured rib
He will also take no further part in the three-day match which continues today.
The left-handed Gayle, who has had a run of moderate scores with 30, 47, 11 and 13 over the first two Tests, suffered a minor tear to his left rib muscle while bowling on Friday and has been advised by Partridge not to bowl in the remainder of the match.
While Gayle is expected to bat in the Windies innings, he will not take the field as a precautionary measure. He is still available for the third Test.
The injuries come after Ramnaresh Sarwan was ruled out of the series after suffering a shoulder injury while fielding on the opening day of the second Test at Headingley last week.
Experienced batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul also missed the second Test with a knee injury.
