Sport

Ridley to undergo knee surgery

Ridley Jacobs

(ap)

WEST INDIES WICKETKEEPER and batsman Ridley Jacobs said yesterday that he expects to undergo a second operation on his knee following surgery a week ago in England.

"I have to do another operation," said Jacobs, who returned to Antigua Wednesday after the minor operation last Friday forced him to cut short the tour on the eve of the third test.

The West Indies trail England 3-0 in the four-match series. Jacobs said his follow-up operation will be determined by a member of the West Indies Cricket Board's medical panel.

He said the surgeon in England told him his right knee suffered "a lot of wear and tear."

Torn ligaments

"Some ligaments have been torn. It is going to be a long process to recovery," Jacobs said, adding the surgeon recommended to relax and do some strengthening exercises.

He said the follow-up operation will depend on the West Indies Cricket Board because a member of its medical panel will look at the knee and decide.

Jacobs, 36, said he will give his knee time to heal.

"I don't know how long the healing process is going to take," said the left-hander, a veteran of 65 tests who has taken 207 catches and 12 stumpings.

He acknowledged his performance suffered against England.

"Hopefully next time I'll do better," he said. "It might not be for playing for the West Indies. It could even be playing for Leeward Islands. The future is still bright."

"I still feel I can make a meaningful contribution to West Indies but I have to wait and see," he said.

Jacobs has kept wicket almost single-handedly since 1998 for the West Indies. He said he thinks "that has taken a toll on my ligaments and body."

Jacobs said his non-selection for the next month's ICC Champions Trophy tournament was decided before the injury.

"This happened a couple days before the third test match. After warming up I realized I couldn't do the activities and I asked that a scan be done on my knee. It was then I realized something was seriously wrong."

After the long flight home, he said, "my legs are a bit swollen and very sore" though he said he was recovering well from his operation.

As for the team's performance in England, Jacobs said, "We have not played the consistent cricket we wanted to play. That has been our downfall."