Lara Cleared of Serious Injury

West Indies captain Brian Lara has been cleared of serious injury after taking a nasty blow in the the back of the neck by a delivery from Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar.

West Indies physiotherapist Andrew Simpson said Lara suffered a short spell of dizziness and slight headache after leaving the ground, but he has been cleared of any serious injury by the ground medical doctor.

Lara fell to the ground after being hit in the back of the neck, and retired hurt on 31 from 30 balls. His side went on to complete an easy seven-wicket victory in the ICC Champions Trophy semi-final at The Rose Bowl, thanks to an unbeaten half-century by vice captain Ramnaresh Sarwan.

Simpson said Lara will remain under observation in the coming days but is expected to lead the West Indies against hosts England in the ICC Champions Trophy final at the Oval on Saturday.