WI leave out Gayle, Sarwan, Chanderpaul

Hosts announce squad for two ODIs against Pakistan.

ST JOHN’S:

The West Indies selectors have axed Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Ramnaresh Sarwan, and left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn while former captain Chris Gayle has been omitted for the first two One-Day Internationals (ODI) against Pakistan.

Picking an ODI side for the first time since they were knocked out of the World Cup by the same opponents at the quarter-final stage, the West Indies have named leg-spinner Anthony Martin as the sole newcomer, recalled Marlon Samuels and Lendl Simmons, and welcomed the return of Dwayne Bravo.

All of the other players that played in the World Cup have been retained in the side, except Gayle and Kieron Pollard. Gayle has been sidelined with a groin injury that required surgery, and Pollard is busy playing in the Indian Premier League.

“We have looked at a mix of players who will take us through the next five to 10 years,” said chief selector Clyde Butts. “With this squad, we have put together a youthful but exciting combination of exceptionally talented cricketers who we believe can win matches.

“We have already seen players like Kemar Roach, Darren Bravo, Andre Russell, and Devendra Bishoo performing impressively on the international stage, and we believe that players like Kirk Edwards and Anthony Martin can step up similarly.”

The first two ODIs will be played on April 23 and April 25. The series continues on April 28 and May 1 before concluding on May 5. The Test series will start on May 12 with the second test beginning on May 20.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 15^th,  2011.