But convalescing leg-spinner Dinanath Ramnarine will at least be more optimistic about his own situation, now that he has been told that he could be playing again in three months-even if that means that he will almost certainly be ruled out of the inaugural Busta Cup 1999 season.
The doctors have given the 23-year-old leggie three months to recuperate from a successful shoulder operation in the United States last week.
But while Ramnarine may be able to ready himself in time to play some part in the series against Australia, he is likely to be available only for the Busta Cup grand final on March 20, provided Trinidad and Tobago get that far.
Still, 'Dinas' is in good spirits.
``Hearing the doctors say two to three months, is good news,'' Ramnarine told the Express yesterday.
``I did not think it was going to be anything shorter than that.''
Ramnarine, who was forced to return home early from the West Indies's tour of South Africa because of what was originally diagnosed in South Africa as torn ligaments in his right shoulder. But that diagnosis was corrected in New York to be a torn rotator cuff.
Ramnarine underwent surgery-performed by Dr Answorth Allen-lasting some 45 minutes.
And while he is due to see a therapist tomorrow, 'Dinas' says he has already started doing some therapy.
The Trinidad and Tobago spinner is hoping that the coming months of rehabilitation will get him back on the field sooner rather than later.
He is, he says, ``more than anxious,'' to be bowling again.
But Ramnarine also acknowledged that trying to rush back into action would be a mistake.
``I want it to be that way,'' he said. ``But I don't want to rush things. That would be last thing I want, to go back for another surgery.''
``It depends how I respond to therapy, how fast is the healing,'' Ramnarine continued. ``From what the doctor said, three months should be that time.''
His international teammates will be wishing him a speedy recovery given their current struggles in South Africa.
Ramnarine for his part said, ``It was disappointing, seeing the guys lose. We need to bat better.''
But he was optimistic that, like him, the team would bounce back soon. As he put it, ``They don't have a choice.''