Samuels in, Ganga, Parchment axed from Windies squad

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC):

West Indies selectors have dumped Jamaican opener Brenton Parchment and batsman Daren Ganga, but have rewarded spinners Sulieman Benn and Amit Jaggernauth with places in the Windies 15-man squad for the opening Test against Sri Lanka starting next Saturday in Guyana.

The squad, which will head to Guyana next week following the sixth series of Carib Beer Series matches this weekend, also sees the recall of Barbadian all-rounder Ryan Hinds after a three-year break.

Fellow Barbadian left-arm swing bowler Pedro Collins has also been recalled while selectors have kept faith with left-handed opener Devon Smith.

MISCONDUCT

Jamaican batsman Marlon Samuels has also been included in the squad despite facing disciplinary action after being charged by the WICB for misconduct, relating to last year's bookie scandal.

Ganga, who led West Indies in Tests as recent as the tour of England last summer, had a miserable tour of South Africa where he managed just 117 runs in six Test innings, in the series West Indies lost 2-1.

Since his return to the Caribbean, the 29-year-old, right-hander has failed to gather any big scores to put selectors under pressure to retain his place. He carved out a half-century against Jamaica in Trinidad & Tobago's fourth round Carib Beer Series match last week but after moderate scores against the Windwards at the weekend, has only 180 runs from four innings.