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Batsman Aftab Habib has become the second player to be ruled out of the England 'A' team currently playing as the first foreign team in the Busta Cup tournament.

Habib, who celebrated his 28th birthday yesterday, is expected to fly out of Barbados for London while his teammates prepare for their next match in the Busta Cup, against the Windward Islands in St. Lucia starting tomorrow.

The results of a scan on Habib's right shoulder revealed a small tear, an old rugby injury that could worsen into a serious setback without an operation.

Habib flew out of Kingston Tuesday with the England 'A' team that completed a seven-wicket victory over previous tournament leaders Jamaica. He remained in Barbados while the remainder of the team went on to St. Lucia.

England are unlikely to summon a replacement, though tour manager James Whitaker discussed his options with David Graveney, chairman of the England selectors.

Whitaker said: 'Our initial thoughts are that we can manage, as our batsmen are coming into form.' England lost David Sales in early January before the first match when he tore knee ligaments during beach volleyball in Grenada, England's 'home' venue for the knockout stages. He was replaced by Michael Powell.

The feeling in the England camp after their seven-wicket win over Jamaica in Kingston was a mixture of elation and relief. Peter Moores, the coach, said: 'If we hadn't beaten Jamaica, it would have been very hard for us to get into the top four, never mind win the league. Jamaica were the most confident team we'd played.'

© The Barbados Nation