West Indies coach Ottis Gibson has no plans to rush recuperating fast bowler Fidel Edwards back into action. The 28-year-old pacer recently had corrective surgery to his back and has not played for the regional side now since last June. Though Gibson regretted not having the Barbadian speedster at his disposal, he said his recovery needed to be thorough. "We can't afford to rush him because if we rush him and something happens it could put his whole career at risk and we don't want to do that," Gibson pointed out
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"He is somebody that we hope–he is only 28 years old–that fully recovers from his operation and comes back to play a major part for us in the next couple of years." Edwards was the spearhead of the West Indies attack during the Twenty/20 World Championship in England last June. It was his three for 24 with sizzling pace that helped the regional side shock India at Lord's in the second round. Two matches later, he pulled out of the side before the start of a crucial match against England and has not played for the Windies since.
"He had a back operation sometime in December or January. He's doing a rehab programme with Jacqui King the physiotherapist," Gibson explained. "Once you have had a back injury and it requires an operation, it's a very slow process sometimes. So he needs to take his time with that. He is in good hands with Jacqui King." Edwards, who has played 43 Tests and 50 One-Day Internationals, played for Deccan Chargers in last October's Twenty/20 Champions League in India. CMC
