Damien Martyn to miss early stages of West Indies tour

Test batsman Damien Martyn will not travel to Guyana with the Australian squad for the start of the 2003 Travelex Tour of the West Indies this Monday (31 March) due to a finger injury.

The 31-year-old who fractured his right index finger while fielding during Australia's five-wicket World Cup victory over Kenya on 15 March will remain in Perth next week to undergo further scans and treatment.

Following a review of the injury, a decision will be made about the West Australian's short-term future and ability to take part in the tour.

Australian team physiotherapist Errol Alcott said although Martyn's finger had responded well to treatment in South Africa during the World Cup, further therapy was needed for it to regain full movement.

"At this stage, Damien's injury will require a period of conservative management, which means no cricket," Alcott said.

"He will be reviewed by a hand specialist in Perth next week, after which we will have a clearer picture as to his availability for the remainder of the tour," he said.

Upon learning of the news that he would not be taking part in the early stages of the tour Martyn said: "Whilst the finger was okay for me to get through the World Cup final, I don't want to do any long-term damage, which is what I risk if I keep playing with the injury.

"I'm naturally disappointed that I won't be on the plane to the West Indies come Monday, but it's important that I allow the treatment to take its course and get things right for good.

"The World Cup final was a special moment for me and the pain of the injury was probably numbed by the joy of winning the match, but going into another long campaign, I want to be as fit as possible," Martyn said.

Once the results of Martyn's medical review are known, a decision will be made as to whether a replacement player in the 15-man squad is needed.