Jamal Richards has expressed his disappointment over being ruled out of the Bermuda Smash Invitational through injury.

The England bowling all-rounder was brought in as a late replacement for Antiguan Kelvin Pitman in Pembroke Panthers squad after the latter was included in West Indies Test training side due to take on Sri Lanka in the Caribbean this month.

However, he did not feature for Panthers in their back-to-back victories against Smith’s Sixers and defending champions Hamilton Parish Hurricanes at the weekend after dislocating his left thumb in training on the eve of the tournament.

“It’s quite disappointing and unlucky to happen the day before the first game,” he told The Royal Gazette.

“I was in training and caught the ball on the end my finger and popped my left thumb out. I only got it popped back in yesterday and the doctor said to rest for a couple of days and see how it goes.”

Panthers coach Cal Waldron has wished the player a speedy recovery.

“First and foremost we’re looking for him to get healthier as a person and wishing him well with his recovery,” he said. “It’s very unfortunate and was just a freak accident.”

Injury woes aside, Richards has enjoyed the tournament taking place at the North Field, National Sports Centre.

“It’s been good vibes and quite a lot of people here,” he said. “It’s definitely a good tournament. Quite a lot of good local players and obviously overseas players as well, so a good standard.”

In the spirit of fairness, tournament organisers have vowed to find a replacement for professional overseas player Richards, ensuring the Panthers squad is back to full strength.

Pitman and Malaysian Virandeep Singh had been initially drafted by Panthers during the player selection process conducted at Bailey’s Bay Cricket Club in April.

Singh, who became unavailable due to the recently announced Asia Cup qualifiers happening simultaneously as the BSI, was replaced by former Indian Premier League player Fabian Allen.

West Indies star Allen, a left-arm spinner from Jamaica, achieved career-best figures of five for two against defending champions Hurricanes on Sunday, during a man-of-the match performance

The group stage of the tournament resumes on Tuesday with Smith’s Sixers taking on Hamilton Parish Hurricanes, while Sandys Spartans will square off against Pembroke Panthers on Wednesday. Both matches begin at 4pm.