Kumble's shoulder problem
similar to Srinath's

Ace Indian leg-spinner Anil Kumble is suffering from a shoulder problem similar to the one experienced by speedster Javagal Srinath, according to renowned South African arthroscopic surgeon Dr Fergusson.

"I examined Kumble for about 40 minutes (in Madras earlier this week), and he has developed a shoulder problem on his bowling arm," Fergusson said on Saturday.

But he said once Kumble is relieved of the problem, he could easily play for another 10 years.

Kumble, who complained of the problem after the recent ICC knock-out tournament in Nairobi, was ruled out of the series against the visiting Zimbabweans.

Asked whether immediate surgery is required, Fergusson said he has given some instructions to Kumble's personal therapist and also to team physio Andrew Leipus. A decision on surgery, he said, will be taken after observing his progress.

Fergusson, who had earlier treated Srinath, said he is in constant touch with the two bowlers, enquiring about their progress.

Kumble had presented the doctor with a video cassette of his record-breaking performance against Pakistan in New Delhi last year, when he equalled the world record of 10 wickets in one innings. This, Fergusson said, would help in studying Kumble's bowling action and also suggesting necessary improvement.

Asked why Indian cricketers are prone to such problems, Ferguson attributed it to the large number of one-dayers played, without rest.

Fergusson was in Coimbatore in connection with a two-day 'Update on arthroscopy and arthroscopic surgery', organised by Ormed Medical Technology Ltd, a member of HUG group, Germany.

According to Ormed sources, Ferguson is making a CD on 'Do's' and 'Dont's' for the benefit of Indian sportsmen, particularly in sports like cricket, basketball, discuss throw. This would be released sometime in the first quarter of 2001, they said.

Mail Cricket Editor