'This would necessitate him being unable to bowl for at least three months'

Dr Mark Ferguson's fax to Dr Ali Irani in Johannesburg on February 6:

'From my examination of Mr Srinath's right shoulder, I am of the opinion that he sustained a labral injury in Canada last year. The symptoms he now experiences, especially with throwing, are related to the subsequent instability of his shoulder as well as secondary tensile overload of his rotator cuff with minor impingement. He also has chronic signs of scapulo-thoracic asynchrony.

'It is therefore advisable that he embarks on a strenuous programme to strengthen his humeral head and scapular stabilisers. This should also include plyometrics and a stretching regimen. He should avoid long uninterrupted periods of bowling during his rehabilitation in order to avoid rotator cuff fatigue. He must also be mindful of throwing of a cricket ball as this may cause further instability.

'If he fails to respond to a conservative programme it is advised that he should undergo an arthroscopy and labral repair. This would, however, necessitate him being unable to bowl for at least three months.'