Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer

Kieron Pollard ... only surprise in 15-man West Indies squad. - File

TRINIDAD AND Tobago's exciting young batsman, Kieron Pollard, is seen by local experts as the only surprise selection in the West Indies' World Cup squad which was released yesterday.

Pollard, 19 and in his first season at the regional level, has scored 390 runs at an average 48.75 in the Carib Beer Series and 212 runs at 53 per innings in the KFC Cup limited-overs championships.

Jackie Hendriks, president of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA), said yesterday he believed the selectors had done a good job in selecting the final 15.

"Young Pollard is a little surprised, but he has performed," Hendriks said

"The selectors always give youngsters a chance," he said while making reference to Pollard and Lendl Simmons. "It's a good mixture. All in all, I think it (squad) speaks for itself," the former West Indies wicketkeeper and batsman said.

Given benefit of doubt

Another former West Indies wicketkeeper, Jeffrey Dujon, also saw Pollard's inclusion as a little surprising, but gave the selectors the benefit of the doubt.

"I think it's fairly predictable. I don't see any surprises - apart from Kieron Pollard, who I have not seen much of, so I have to bow to the judgement of the selectors," Dujon said of the squad.

Right line-up needed

National senior team coach Junior Bennett said: "Based on what has happened in West Indies cricket in recent times, there was no surprise apart from Pollard who has had a good season.

"The rest of the players had picked themselves," he said.

However, choosing the right line-up would be the decisive factor if the West Indies are to win the title, Bennett said.

He believes it would be best to use Shivnarine Chanderpaul in the middle order, rather than at the top with Chris Gayle.

"It would be best to have Chanderpaul strengthen the middle and let (Brian) Lara bat early," he said.

Happy with squad

World-renowned cricket jounalist Tony Becca said he was happy with the squad overall.

"I think it's a decent team," Becca said. "Obviously, the only surprise is Pollard.

"When I heard about him, I said he should get in but when I saw him, I was a bit taken aback, and said it's too early (to pick him).

"He obviously is a talented young man. He may prove to be successful in the tournament, although I think he is not ready. I can't blame the selectors for picking him, though."

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WEST INDIES SQUAD

Brian Lara (captain)

Ramnaresh Sarwan

Chris Gayle

Shivnarine Chanderpaul

Marlon Samuels

Lendl Simmons

Devon Smith

Dwayne Bravo

Dwayne Smith

Kieron Pollard

Denesh Ramdin

Ian Bradshaw

Corey Collymore

Jerome Taylor

Daren Powell