No place for Sammy - Selectors name unchanged 13
Published: Tuesday | June 30, 2009
Jamaican all-rounder David Bernard Jr.
ST JOHN'S, Antigua (CMC):
No room has been found for all-rounder Darren Sammy in the West Indies squad for the two final one-day internationals against India next weekend.
On Monday, selectors named an unchanged 13-man squad for the last two matches of the four-match series which have been scheduled for the Beausejour Stadium in St Lucia, before Sammy's home fans.
West Indies and India split the first doubleheader at Sabina Park in Jamaica and selectors have opted to continue with the combination, as they chase a series win.
Once again, Jamaican all-rounder David Bernard Jr has been preferred to Sammy, who has played five Tests and 23 ODIs.
The 27-year old Bernard was recalled for the tour of England earlier this year after six years in the wilderness, but failed to gain selection for a single match.
One for 50
Given the nod for the first two matches against India, Bernard took one for 50 off eight overs and struck 19 from 20 balls in the first ODI last Friday, in the regional side's 20-run loss.
He then sent down seven overs for 36 runs on Sunday in the second match which the Windies won by eight wickets.
The 25-year-old Sammy was dropped from the one-day team that toured England after his lone ODI at Bristol yielded an unbeaten 13 and one for 15 from five overs.
West Indies clash with India in the third ODI on Friday before playing the final game two days later at the same venue.
Squad: Chris Gayle (captain), Denesh Ramdin (vice-captain), Lionel Baker, Darren Bravo, Dwayne Bravo, Sulieman Benn, David Bernard, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Narsingh Deonarine, Runako Morton, Ravi Rampaul, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Jerome Taylor.