Lightning still has Windies fast bowler Dillon down

Saturday, October 11, 2003

KINGSTON, Jamaica: Mervyn Dillon, the West Indies fast bowler who was struck by lighting on Thursday, was scheduled to leave the University Hospital late yesterday, but still has to take it easy.

Lightning struck during the Red Stripe Bowl match between Trinidad & Tobago and the Windward Islands at Kensington Park on Thursday hitting both Dillon and Windwards pacer Fernix Thomas.

Both players suffered jolts from the lightning but Thomas suffered more mild effects and was released from the University Hospital early Friday. Dillon, however, suffered from vomiting and was not expected to be released until later. 

While Dillon was batting for Trinidad and Tobago in sunny conditions just after mid-day Thursday, a sudden, terrifying bolt of lightning struck him hard on his left side as he was about to face the first delivery of the 39th over from Fernix Thomas.

Dillon slowly slumped to the ground complaining of severe earache and headache. Thomas was also hit hard on his upper back and both were taken to hospital for observation.

It is unclear whether Dillon will play for T&T tomorrow when the team faces Jamaica in the semi-finals. Today, Canada takes on the Rest of the Leewards while Barbados faces the Young West Indies.

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