Lara back in team for Tests

Published May 24, 2005

GROS ISLET, May 23: West Indies have named batting superstar Brian Lara, left-handed opening batsman Devon Smith, and fast bowler Reon King, as the three changes to their 13-member squad for the first Test of two against Pakistan, starting on Thursday at Bridgetown.

Joey Carew, convenor of the West Indies selection panel, disclosed that Xavier Marshall, Dwayne Smith, and Pedro Collins would all be omitted from the squad that was selected for the three One-day Internationals against the Pakistanis.

“This is a new Test series and the team has to begin concentrating on getting the winning habit, so we are looking forward to a successful series,” said Carew.

Carew noted that he expected a renewed approach from the side, and believed that Lara, who was rested for the ODI series against the Pakistanis, would add another element to the team.

“He is rested and will doubtlessly return invigorated,” Carew said.

“As the senior player in the team and the leading personality in world cricket, he will also inject a deeper sense of professionalism.”

Smith, 23, returns to the side after playing in the recent first Test of four against South Africa, and the 29-year-old King is recalled after losing his place following the third Test against the Proteas.

The 30-year-old Bradshaw, who has played 30 ODIs, has been named in a West Indies Test squad for the first time, while Corey Collymore holds on to a place after not being considered for the preceding series against South Africa.

Squad: Shivnarine Chanderpaul (captain), Courtney Browne (vice-captain), Ian Bradshaw, Dwayne Bravo, Corey Collymore, Fidel Edwards, Chris Gayle, Wavell Hinds, Reon King, Brian Lara, Daren Powell, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Devon Smith.—AFP

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