Ramnaresh Sarwan. - Dellmar photo

LEEDS (CMC):

THE WEST Indies will have to find a replacement for injured captain Ramnaresh Sarwan. The West Indies team management in Britain has announced that Sarwan will return to the Caribbean today to pursue rehabilitation of his injured right acromioclavicular joint.

"Unfortunately, Sarwan's injury will take approximately six weeks to heal and, as a result, he will not be able to take any further part in this tour," remarked team manager Mike Findlay in a news release yesterday.

"The selectors are in discussions and a replacement for Sarwan is being sought. As soon as a decision is reached, we will make an announcement on who the player is."

Sarwan did not bat in either of the West Indies' innings because of the damaged acromioclavicular joint he sustained in his right shoulder on the opening day of the match, when he fell awkwardly trying to stop a drive from Paul Collingwood from reaching the boundary.

Disappointed

"I am very disappointed thatI will not be able to continue on tour, but I have spoken with the players and wished them well for the remainder of the Test series, the Twenty20 games, and the one-day internationals," Sarwan said.

"I have confidence that the boys will be able to rebound after the defeat at Headingley, and give a better account of themselves and the team as a whole," Sarwan left Leeds yesterday for London and he will fly out to the Caribbean today.

The news release noted that an announcement would also be made on Sarwan's replacement as captain Daren Ganga led the side over the past three days of the Test.