Lara cleared of serious injury

SOUTHAMPTON: West Indies captain Brian Lara has been cleared of serious injury after being struck in the back of the neck by a delivery from Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar during his side’s seven-wicket victory in yesterday’s ICC Champions Trophy semi-final. Lara fell to the ground after being hit in the back of the neck and retired hurt on 31 from 30 balls.

West Indies physiotherapist Andrew Simpson said Lara suffered a short spell of dizziness and slight headache after leaving the ground, but the medical doctor on the ground has cleared him of any serious injury. Lara will remain under observation in the coming days, but is expected to lead his team against host nation England in the Final at The Oval on Saturday.