West Indies' all-rounder Andre Russell was on Monday ruled out of the ongoing 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup owing to a hamstring injury. He will now be replaced by 26-year-old batsman Sunil Ambris and will join up with his team in preparation for his side's match against India at Old Trafford on Thursday.
Russell, 31, had taken five wickets in four games but was seen struggling with a knee problem.
Russell had a brilliant IPL 2019 season with Kolkata Knight Riders but failed to replicate the show in England.
Following his spectacular show with the bat in the IPL earlier this year, Russell was included in the Caribbean squad for the World Cup.
Ambris has featured in six ODIs and averages 105.33. He has a hundred and a half-century fifty to his name in the 50-over format.
On Saturday, West Indies lost to New Zealand by five runs in a nail-biting contest.
A magnificent 148 from Kiwi skipper Williamson and a brilliant bowling spell of 4-30 from Trent Boult looked to be going in vain as Windies all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite produced a devastating display of hitting for 101 off 82 balls.
Needing six off seven balls with one wicket in hand, Brathwaite was caught on the boundary by Boult as the Black Caps registered their fifth win of the tournament.
Chasing 292, Chris Gayle made 87 at the top of their innings, but a middle-order collapse undid much of the early good work. Brathwaite almost saved the day but was seen dropping to his knees in distress as the Kiwi players comforted him after he got out.
West Indies skipper Jason Holder admitted that it was a tough game for them. "It was a tough game at the very end, but I'm proud of the guys, especially Carlos, who had a good innings. Chris had a good knock that really set the tone for us. It's pretty tough but there are still a lot of positives.”
After managing only one win from their six games, the West Indies have a very slim chance of making it to the semi-finals of the showpiece event.