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After working with the Barbados cricket team for the past 13 years, Jacqui King received the call to the big league.

She has been contracted for six weeks to work with the West Indies cricket squad for the World Cup in England later this month.

King, a physiotherapist for nearly 17 years, is pleased with this step in her career.

``It was a bit of a surprise, but I am happy. I feel very honoured to serve West Indies cricket,'' said King, who referred to herself as a cricket fan.

``I have worked with the Barbados team for many years and it is just a step up from that.

``It will be a challenge. Touring will be a challenge and the World Cup schedule is also challenging,'' said the niece of former Barbados batsman Tony King.

Since graduating from the Jamaica School of Physiotherapy in 1982, she has worked with most of the sports and national teams, including hockey and track and field, on regional tours.

She has also toured with them to the Pan American Games, the Commonwealth Games, the Olympic Games and the Central American and Caribbean Games.

King said the job description has not been fully ironed out but treating injuries and helping players be fit and ready after injury will be some of her duties.

She replaces Australian Denis Waight who has held the position since 1978. He will now be the trainer. But King said there was a role for both of them.

``Both of us will be there and there is a role for each of us to work together for the good of the team. We will handle it from different angles,'' she said.

The appointment makes her one of the first female officials in the history of West Indies cricket.

King is also president of the Barbados Sports Medicine Association and the Barbados Association of Physical Therapists.

She has completed courses in neurology, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, adverse neuro tension, muscle energy and musculoskeletal techniques in Jamaica, Cuba and the United States.

In a release from the West Indies Cricket Board, chief executive officer Stephen Camacho said: ``This is all part of our effort to strengthen The Management team and ensure that the players are as well prepared as possible for the rigours of playing a hectic schedule on international cricket.''

King leaves the island tomorrow (when her contract takes effect) with the rest of the squad.