Stress Fracture KOs Lawson

Jermaine Lawson's troublesome back injury has flared up again, forcing the fast bowler out of the West Indies squad for next month's ICC Champions Trophy in England.

Lawson has a newly diagnosed stress fracture of the lower back and will be out of action for at least six weeks. All-rounder Darren Sammy will take his place.

Lawson's lower back injury, which has dogged him through his short international career, first flared up when his bowling action was reported to the ICC during the home series against Australia.

Injuries have already ruled two other fast bowlers out of the West Indies squad. Ravi Rampaul returned from the England tour with a leg injury and Tino Best suffered a back tweak.

Dwayne Smith, an ODI medium pacer, is also nursing a side strain.

The ICC Champions Trophy begins in England on September 10 and the West Indies are drawn in Group B along with South Africa and Bangladesh. They play their first game on September 15 against Bangladesh.