Injury Bug Strikes J'ca Pace Duo

Back and side problems have laid low two more of Jamaica's leading fast bowlers -- Andrew Richardson and Dwight Washington.

According to the Jamaica Observer, the 22-year-old Richardson suffered a muscle strain in his back while playing league cricket in England and is likely to return home for treatment.

Washington, who was picked in the West Indies squad for the recent England home series, has also been instructed to rest for a few weeks after aggravating a side strain that has apparently been bothering him for some time.

For Richardson, the injury is even more worrying considering his history of back problems. A former West Indies youth fast bowler, he has struggled with back injuries in his teens but recovered recently to lead Jamaica's pace attack in the Carib Beer season, exhibiting genuine pace while taking 36 wickets at 18.50 each.

Washington has also recovered from a history of injuries to lead the West Indies 'B' team attack with 20 wickets at 22.00 this season.

The Jamaica Observer said Dr Akshai Mansingh expects to examine Richardson whenever he returns from England. Mansingh said Washington's problem should be cleared up with proper rest and rehabilitation in a relatively short period.

He said Washington will need another two to three weeks before he can resume training while "competitive cricket will depend on how he feels after that."

The injuries to Richardson and Washington come on the heels of similar problems with Jerome Taylor, Jermaine Lawson and Daren Powell.