West Indies ex-pacer Edwards to undergo surgery

Former West Indies speedster Fidel Edwards will undergo surgery to deal with a broken ankle sustained here last week during a freak accident.

The right-armer, who was expected to spearhead Hampshire's attack in the English County Championship which bowled off earlier this month, broke his ankle while playing football in warm-ups ahead of the final day's play against Yorkshire last Wednesday, reports CMC.

He was attempting to kick the ball when his foot got stuck in the turf, causing him to fall over in pain.

"Unfortunately Fidel has had a serious break and will have to undergo surgery on Tuesday," Giles White, Hampshire's director of cricket, said on Monday.

"It's a real shame for him. He has been unbelievable since he has been with us and has become an extremely popular member of the club."

"We will support him through his recovery and look forward to having him back in a Hampshire shirt as soon as possible. He is a class act and the team will miss him."

The 34-year-old Edwards was brilliant for the club in just a handful of matches towards the end of last season, snaring an amazing 45 wickets.

Hampshire on Monday announced that Edwards' former West Indies team-mate Tino Best would be brought in as cover. Edwards is expected to undergo the surgery late on Tuesday.

--IANS

sam/vt