Anthony Kay misses Jersey's World Cricket League trip

Kay was in the Jersey side relegated from WCL Division Four in 2008

Bowler Anthony Kay has withdrawn from the Jersey squad travelling to the ICC World Cricket League Division Five tournament in Kathmandu.

Kay has a recurring back problem and will be replaced by one of the four named reserves, 16-year-old Alex Noel.

It was hoped the injury would clear up in time for this tour, in which Jersey have to finish in the top two to gain promotion back to Division Four.

Kay has had to leave the squad after advice from a specialist.

"Anthony was prescribed rest at the end of last season and we had hoped his back would recover sufficiently," said Jersey's director of cricket Chris Minty.

"However a specialist has recommended further scans and treatment and we hope this will lead to a full recovery."

Noel is seen as a like-for-like replacement for Kay.

Jersey's ICC Division Five Tournament Schedule

19 February - Practice and meetings

20 February - Jersey v Nepal (Army School)

21 February - Jersey v Fiji (Tribhuvan)

23 February - USA v Jersey (Tribhuvan)

24 February - Bahrain v Jersey (Army School)

26 February - Jersey v Singapore (Army School)

27 February - Third/fourth play-off (Army School)

27 February - Final (Tribhuvan)

The Victoria College teenager, who has played in Jersey's Under-17s side and attended the ICC Europe Centre of Excellence last year, is a medium-paced opening or first change bowler.

"Alex has worked hard at his game and will undoubtedly benefit from this experience," explained Jersey's chairman of selectors Ward Jenner.

Coach Craig Hogan added: "I would be happy to take any of the reserves but we feel that Noel may suit the expected conditions better.

"With plenty of tournaments coming up, the 14 going to Nepal will not make every tournament, so there will be plenty of chances for the other players who've not made it this time," he added.

Jersey face the hosts Nepal in their opening match on Saturday, 20 February.

If they reach the final of the event, as they did two years ago, they will be promoted back to Division Four of the World Cricket League.