Chandigarh, March 10, 2008: New Zealand international Nathan Astle, who has been a part of the Mumbai Champs side since the inaugural ICL 20s, will replace Brian Lara as captain of Mumbai Champs in Edelweiss 20s Challenge. Brian Lara has been declared medically unfit to play.
Sandeep Patil, Coach, Mumbai Champs said, "Unfortunately Brian is injured & will not be able to take guard, so Nathan Astle has already taken charge of the side. Brian had a word with the boys and the mood in the camp is positive."
Danny Redrup, Physiotherapist, Mumbai Champs said, "Brian Lara was hit on his left-forearm when playing for Trinidad and Tobago six weeks ago. He sustained a substantial distal alna facture which in some cases requires surgery. He was placed in a cast for five and a half weeks. On re-xray in Delhi, his fracture site is showing slow but well aligned healing. Due to the extend of the structural damage, Brian is still in his significant discomfort when attending to hold his bat. It is predicted that another 2 to 4 weeks will be required for appropriate healing to facilitate some batting practice. Hence Brian wont be able to play in this tournament."