WICB Doctor Examines Samuels in NYC

The doctor contracted by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) to provide a second opinion on Marlon Samuels? injured left knee performed a thorough examination on the Jamaican batsman in New York City on Friday.

According to John Pinnock, the agent for the 22-year-old Samuels, Dr Ainsworth Allen performed an MRI scan and x-rays on the left knee and will be completing a report for the WICB by Monday or Tuesday next week. "Marlon was very pleased with how he was dealt with by Dr Allen and his staff. We found Dr Allen to be extremely professional and forthcoming with all our questions," Pinnock told CaribbeanCricket.com.

Samuels will overnight in New York and head to Baltimore to be examined by Dr Michael Mont for yet another opinion. Pinnock said Dr Mont would use the MRI scans and x-ray images from Dr Allen?s office.

Asked if Samuels could possibly play Carib Beer Cup cricket this year if the doctors provide clearance, Pinnock said: "The doctors? reports will be our guide."

He declined to speculate on what would happen if Dr Allen and Dr Mont provide conflicting opinions. "We'll cross that bridge when we get there. By Tuesday next week, we?ll have the doctors' reports and take it from there."

Samuels was cut from the West Indies World Cup squad in controversial circumstances last week after an MRI done in Jamaica by Dr Akshai Mansingh reported deterioration in his knee. The news came as a shock to Samuels and fans around the Caribbean, particularly in his native Jamaica where team coach Robert Haynes claimed there was conspiracy against the batsman.