Sidelines: No Gayle for final ODI against India

Windies bring back Rampaul, Barath as former captain left out again.

KINGSTON:

Hard-hitting opener Chris Gayle was ignored once again as West Indies announced the squad for the fifth and final One-Day International (ODI) against India that takes place today.

Opening batsman Adrian Barath makes a return after recovering from an injury while fast-bowler Ravi Rampaul is also back after being rested as the hosts eye a consolation win in the final ODI of the series that they have lost 3-1 already.

Gayle, who missed out on the first four ODIs, was to meet the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) to explain his controversial comments made on a radio show. While the board said that Gayle would not be considered until he met with the management, there was no word on the meeting when the squad announcement was made.

Gayle, who did not feature in the series against Pakistan and took part in the Indian Premier League instead, has watched from the sidelines as his side lost the first three ODIs before the hosts bounced to win the fourth match. Critics have been astonished to see the 31-year-old former captain and opening batsman sit in the stands as West Indies lost the ODI series as well as the one-off Twenty20 against the ODI world champions.

Meanwhile, Barath, who missed the World Cup after suffering a hamstring injury, has undergone rehabilitation and replaced Kirk Edwards whose performance in two matches has left a lot to be desired. Barath has played eight ODIs with a highest score of 113.

West Indies squad

Darren Sammy (c), Carlton Baugh, Devendra Bishoo, Darren Bravo, Adrian Barath, Ravi Rampaul, Anthony Martin, Kieron Pollard, Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Lendl Simmons





Published in The Express Tribune, June 16th, 2011.