Injury-prone Papu faces pain and pulls stumps for last time

HONGKONG cricket lover Papu Butani has bowled his last ball after a shattering experience over the weekend.

The 45-year-old Indian jeweller, a keen supporter of local cricket on and off the field, is still in hospital after being struck a fearsome blow in the face by hard-hitting Australian batsman Ross Greer during a Saturday League game.

And Butani has decided to give up competitive cricket because he feels his advancing years are making him more vulnerable to injury. This is the third time in the past 12 months he has needed surgery.

''I think I should retire - I am getting old and my reflexes are not there,'' said Butani last night, from a St Teresa's Hospital bed.

''I'll have to concentrate on organising games instead of playing in them from now on.'' The accident happened at Mission Road, where the Merchants Cricket Club - a Saturday League team formed by Butani a couple of years ago - were playing St George's, spearheaded by the formidable figure of Greer.

Butani, who was playing despite a high temperature, bowled a full toss to the left-handed Greer, who smashed it back towards him. Butani tried to stop the ball but it thudded into his face, fracturing his nose in two places and causing extensive bruising and swelling.

An ambulance took Butani to hospital and he expects to be there until tomorrow, depending upon the extent of the damage.