Promising teenage medium pacer Jacobi Robinson?s stay at the University of Port Elizabeth International Cricket Academy in South Africa has come to a premature end.

The Somerset player suffered a lower back injury while practising in the nets during the second week of what was originally scheduled to be a two-month stay at the prestigious cricket academy.

Further scans later revealed Robinson?s injury resulted from his bowling action and he has since been instructed to alter his run-up and seek the assistance of a chiropractor when he arrives back in Bermuda.

Robinson, 19, is expected to return home later this week.

?I have some damaged nerves in my lower back and I have been going to the physio here for the past two weeks. But it is a problem which I have had for a long time,? explained Robinson, speaking from South Africa.

?I?ve had this injury for the past five years and the physio told me that I will have to change my bowling action because it is putting a strain on my back.

?So as soon as I change my bowling action I should be alright. My run-up is fine and I have developed a good rhythm.

?Before when I bowled, my back foot was parallel but now I have to bring it straighter in order to take the strain off my back, because I am pulling around and so I have what they call here a mixed-action.?

Though restricted from taking part in the more physical practise sessions at the academy under the watchful eyes of Sussex county player Mark Davis and former South Africa Test captain Kepler Wessels, Robinson has been able to do some light training on the bicycle and in the swimming pool, in addition to attending psychology and bio-mechanics classes on campus.

He continued: ?The therapists says I have five years worth of damage and that I stand a great risk of re-injuring myself if I return to regular training here. It?s very frustrating but I guess everything happens for a reason. And as it stands now I think it?s best I return home because at the moment all I am allowed to do in the nets is walk through my action (bowling), and that is really frustrating. It is also very costly to have my back repeatedly scanned. All my money is being spent on therapy.?

However, Robinson reckons his injury won?t sideline him for long.

?As long as I get the proper treatment when I return home and work on some of the things that need to be done, I should be alright,? he said.

As for room-mate and fellow countryman Jekon Edness, Robinson said the Western Stars wicketkeeper/batsman was making significant strides at the academy.

?Jekon is making out alright. He?s coming along nicely and is concentrating on getting his batting up to par. He is a little upset that I will be leaving him here by himself, but he will be ok. The staff here are great,? said Robinson.

On a brighter note, Robinson, son of former Western Stars spinner Wayne (Spike) Richardson, enjoyed the opportunity to chat with players from the visiting West Indies team following last week?s second One-Day International between the Caribbean team and South Africa at St.George?s Park.

Robinson said he was able to talk with star batsman Brian Lara, Vesper Drakes, Corey Collymore, Ian Bradshaw and pacer, Fidel Edwards.

The player said he hoped to return to South Africa once he recovered from injury.