Reon King withdraws from Sri Lanka tour

West Indian fast bowler Reon King is to leave Sri Lanka and return to the West Indies for surgery, having decided he was not sufficiently confident to play on.

King, 26, who has played 14 Tests, was one of the key members of West Indies inexperienced fast bowling attack. He withdrew from the first Test after being diagnosed as having a hernia.

Doctors in Sri Lanka were of the opinion that he could play on, but the player himself and the management were concerned about his ability to last a whole Test match in such testing conditions.

West Indies manager, Ricky Skerritt, speaking to the media after the team's final practice before the second Test in Kandy, said: "Reon is uncomfortable with the situation and doesn't feel he can participate 100 per cent. If this is the case we have to make arrangements for him to leave the tour."

"There was no question that he needed surgery, it was just a matter of how urgently he needed it. The doctor felt he could manage it for a while, but it has deteriorated, at least in Reon's mind."

The selectors are expected to announce his replacement shortly.