AUCKLAND, New Zealand, CMC- Middle order batsman Marlon Samuels will miss the rest of the West Indies’ tour of New Zealand due to injury.
A chronic right-wrist injury has forced him to return to the Caribbean, West Indies team physiotherapist C.J. Clark has confirmed.
“It will require surgery management and he returns home to seek that surgical opinion and advice from the West Indies Cricket Board’s medical panel, headed by Dr. Akshai Mansingh,” said Clark.
West Indies are already without two of their biggest names.
Chris Gayle’s hamstring and Kieron Pollard’s knee have kept them out of the series.
Head coach Ottis Gibson says the loss of Samuels is a major setback to the regional side seeking to rebound from a series of losses.
“Marlon’s injury is unfortunate at such a tough time for the team,” declared Gibson.
“But it gives another player the opportunity to make a name for themselves in this series.”
Wicketkeeper/batsman Chadwick Walton will remain in New Zealand and replace Samuels in the 15-member squad for the series of five One-day Internationals against the Black Caps which opens on Thursday, Boxing Day, at Eden Park here.
The 28-year-old Walton, a Jamaican, has played two ODIs for West Indies during the 2009 ICC Champions Trophy in South Africa.
“Chaddy has been on tour with us from the start including the tour of India without getting an opportunity,” said Gibson.
“He has been working hard and growing as a player, and I feel confident that when his opportunity comes he will make the most of it.”
