Sarwan gets World Cup call

Veteran batsman and former skipper Ramnaresh Sarwan was recalled by the West Indies for the World Cup on Wednesday.

The 30-year-old was dropped from the tour of Sri Lanka last year and hasn't played for the national team since the home series against South Africa in June 2010.

Sarwan, who took over the captaincy from Brian Lara after the 2007 World Cup before being succeeded by Chris Gayle, is one of the West Indies' most experienced players having featured in 156 ODIs, scoring 5,098 runs. Although indifferent form in 2010 meant he missed out on a central contract, he possesses a formidable record in India where the West Indies will play five of their six group games.

Averages

He has hit five fifties in the country and averages over 57 in 50-overs cricket.

The West Indies will be captained by Darren Sammy who took over from Gayle when the former skipper refused a West Indies Cricket Board contract.

Fellow rebels Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard are also included in the 15-man squad for the February 19-April 2 tournament being played in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

The squad sees a debut for Andre Russell while Carlton Baugh, who hasn't played international one-day cricket for over two years, got the wicketkeeper's nod over Denesh Ramdin.

Good mix

"The selection committee deliberated extensively over the selection of this squad and while choosing some players was straightforward we believe that we have come up with a good mix of players who will be able to do well in the Asian conditions," said chairman of the selection committee Clyde Butts.

"We have some of the most experienced ODI cricketers on the international stage along with the effervescence and freshness of some quality young players who we are confident can not only contribute to the team but win matches."

Prior to the World Cup, the West Indies will play three ODIs in Sri Lanka on January 31, February 4 and 6.

They are in Group B at the World Cup and will face South Africa in their opener on February 24 in New Delhi followed by games against Netherlands, Bangladesh, Ireland, England and India.

West Indies squad:

Darren Sammy (capt), Adrian Barath, Carlton Baugh Jr, Sulieman Benn, Darren Bravo, Dwayne Bravo, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Chris Gayle, Nikita Miller, Kieron Pollard, Ravi Rampaul, Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Devon Smith.

ST JOHN'S, Antigua and Barbuda, Thursday - AFP