By Colin Zuill Former West Indies Test skipper Richie Richardson has had to pull out of tomorrow's annual cricket testimonial at Lord's after suffering a broken leg at his home in Antigua.

Stunned by the news of Richardson's withdrawal, officials of the testimonial committee have been left with no time to find a replacement.

And the match will now go ahead without its customary guest overseas player.

"It's unfortunate that things have turned out the way they have,'' said committee member St. Clair (Brinky) Tucker.

"Richie is disappointed, we are too. Although I don't really know how he got the injury, his withdrawal is something that couldn't be helped. We tried our best to find somebody else to come but with precious little time left it was difficult.

"But we know that all of Bermuda will rally beind this fund-raising venture and come out and support the game in large numbers like they have in the past.

All of the money is going towards the development of youth cricket.

"One thing positive coming out of our search for players this year is that we have made lots of contacts. Players in England and the West Indies, in particular, are aware of the match and will be prepared to come in the future once arrangements are made in advance.'' Tucker also confirmed that corporate sponsors had come on board and the possibility existed of having at least two prominent international guest players at next year's event.

The committee were in high spirits just 10 days ago when former West Indies Test opener Gordon Greenidge agreed to fly in with Richardson. But he also had to pull out at short notice.

It's been a hectic month for Tucker who has experienced several reversals, the first involving former Test opener Desmond Haynes who was pencilled in as the original guest player. But he had to cry off because he was in the wedding party of ex-Windies bowler Malcolm Marshall, whose marriage ceremony was brought forward.

Thanks to assistance from Phil Simmons, Richardson came into the picture and later Greenidge.

Richardson reportedly suffered his injury in Antigua shortly after returning home from playing in England.

"It's been one development after another, all of which were legitimate but just unfortunate,'' added Tucker. "We have scrambled around but to no avail but we hope that the sporting public understand and appreciate that we did everything possible to give them the opportunity to see these outstanding players.'' The Testimonial Cricket Committee have named the following pool of senior players for tomorrow's game, which starts at 11.00 a.m.: Stephen West, Oliver Bain, Randall Woolridge, Gordon Campbell, Lee Raynor, Lionel Thomas, John Tucker, Arthur Pitcher, Jeffrey Pitcher, Vernon Foggo, Barry DeCouto, Winston Trott, Eldon Raynor, Charles Fubler, Frankie Bento, Winston Reid, George Rock, Bernard Brangman, Mel Roberts, James Swan, John McConnie, Elliott Pitcher, Barry Walkes, Randy Butler, Terry Ward, Milton Pringle, Gerald Bean.

All players are reminded to meet at Lord's at 10.00 a.m. Anyone unable to play is urged to contact Tucker at 297-1597 or 298-0281 while others keen to play should do likewise.

The committee will be holding their annual pre-game cocktail party tonight at Devonshire Rec. from 7.00-9.00 p.m.