Taylor Out of Second Test

Tue, Nov 11, '03

Teenage pacer Jerome Taylor will miss the second Test against Zimbabwe starting on Wednesday and the smart money is on spinner Omari Banks cracking into the final eleven.

The West Indies selectors included Banks and experienced fast bowler Merv Dillon among 12 players for the second and final Test. The final eleven will be decided on Wednesday morning.

The rest of the squad is unchanged from the first Test which means Marlon Samuels will again be on the outside. With reports out of Zimbabwe suggesting the wicket will favour spin, it is likely Banks will slot into Taylor's spot.

If Dillon is to crack into the final eleven, it would mean the struggling Corey Collymore would have to sit out. It is unlikely that Fidel Edwards or Vasbert Drakes -- who were both solid in the first Test -- would be left out.

The 19-year-old Taylor sustained a 'lumbar facet joint sprain' (lower back) in the first innings of the first Test and did not bowl again in the match. He has been cleared to return to full training activities but the selectors opted to give him as much time as possible to return to full bowling fitness.