Cricket: Australia struck by Reid jinx

AUSTRALIA'S prospects of becoming the first side to defeat the West Indies in a Test series for 13 years were looking less good yesterday when Bruce Reid was ruled out of the next two Tests in Melbourne and Sydney.

In the latest chapter of a career littered with misfortune, the gangling left-arm seamer underwent surgery last week on an injury to his left shoulder and will be unable to resume training until January. Nicknamed 'Metal Mickey' after having a metal plate inserted in his back, Reid has not played a full season since 1986-87.

Having taken six wickets in Brisbane to give Australia the better of the drawn first Test, Reid will be sorely missed. For the second Test in Melbourne, starting on Boxing Day, potential replacements include Victoria's Paul Reiffel and New South Wales' Mike Whitney.

Mark Feltham, the 29-year-old seamer recently released by Surrey after 10 years, has signed a two- year contract with Middlesex.