Bermuda Under 19s World Cup preparations have been dealt another crushing blow with Lamar Richardson ruled out of next month's tournament with a broken wrist.

Richardson's injury further weakens an already depleted national team squad, still reeling from the shock withdrawal of star allrounder Stefan Kelly because of school commitments.

The Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) has applied to the event's technical committee for permission to replace seamer Richardson, who suffered the fracture in training last week.

Assistant coach Andre Manders revealed Richardson had been earmarked to fill the batting and bowling boots of the influential Kelly: "Lamar landed awkwardly during a fielding exercise. He thought he had just sprained his wrist but had a scan the next day, which revealed it was broken.

"It seems like one thing after another for us at the moment but we'll just have to deal with it. We were looking at Lamar to fill Stefan's role as well, it's another blow for us."

With the squad departing in less than a week for a training camp in India, Manders admitted getting players released from school was a problematic operation.

"It's a bit awkward because we leave in just a few days and we've been having meetings to identify a replacement," he said. "Then we have to check with his school if he is up to date with his studies so he can leave.

"Even when the players are away in India, and then Malaysia, they'll each have laptops so they can continue their studies. They will certainly have their hands full."

Western Stars all-rounder Machai Campbell was called up for Kelly last week, while the BCB hope to announce Richardson's replacement later today.

Kelly is currently studying at Oakham School, in England, and will be sitting important examinations later this year. His exam results will have a crucial bearing on whether he secures a place at one of England's top University Centre's of Cricket Excellence (UCCE). He has Durham University and Loughborough University in his sights.

The squad travel to India for intensive training at the World Cricket Academy in Mumbai, India, on January 30 from where they will head to Malaysia.