Bitter blow for Northants one-day skipper Wakely as Achilles injury rules him out for the season

Alex Wakely is set to miss the entire 2014 cricket season after suffering an Achilles tendon injury on Northants’ pre-season tour of Barbados.
INJURY WOE - Alex Wakely is set to miss the 2014 season after rupuring an Achilles tendonINJURY WOE - Alex Wakely is set to miss the 2014 season after rupuring an Achilles tendon
INJURY WOE - Alex Wakely is set to miss the 2014 season after rupuring an Achilles tendon

The batsman suffered the injury on the opening day of the County’s first warm-up game in the Caribbean.

Wakely travelled back to the UK yesterday to see a specialist, and the injury has been diagnosed as a ruptured Achilles tendon.

Writing on Twitter, Wakely said: “Absolutely gutted after seeing the consultant.

“I have an operation on Monday, and I will be back ASAP. Rest assured I am in good hands.”

But the club admit it is ‘likely’ that Wakely will miss the whole season.

A statement on www.northantscricket.com read: “Northants Cricket regrets to announce that club vice-captain and limited overs captain Alex Wakely has been diagnosed with a ruptured Achilles tendon and is having an operation on Monday to repair the damage.

“There will be a lengthy period of rehabilitation for Alex and it is likely that he will miss the entire 2014 season.

“Alex wishes to place on record his sincere thanks to all those people who have made contact with him during the last week concerning the injury.

“Obviously this is very sad news for both the player and the club, but we will ensure that disruption to the preparation for the season is kept to a minimum.”

Chief execuitve David Smith added: “I am very, very disappointed for Alex and the club.

“It’s a body blow. He has been inspirational.”

Wakely enjoyed an excellent season as linited overs skipper in 2013, leading the Steelbacks to victory in the Friends Life T20 competition, the club’s first major honour since 1992.

Northants will now need to decide on a new captain for this summer’s T20 and 50-over competitions.