My Team for Pakistan, er, Sharjah

Looking at the Internet edition of the Jamaica Observer this morning, two pieces of sports news caught my attention:

One was Roger Harper's comment regarding the Sharjah tour and the other pertain to Ramnaresh Sarwan's injury.

Harper argues that "one thing about playing in Sharjah is that Pakistan will not be at home although they will be more familiar with the conditions because they have played there more than we have," and "they also have fans there but I guess the plus is that it will be different than playing in Pakistan because that still would not be the same as them playing at home."

Like Harper, I believe that playing in Sharjah is advantageous to us. I submitted a post on the CANA board yesterday pointing out that I believe the Windies administrators were smart by insisting on a neutral venue for the following reasons and perhaps more:

1. It cuts down on tiredness resulting from excessive team travelling

2.The large Indian population, in Sharjah will most likely cheer for us.

3. Easier for us to come to terms with the playing conditions.There is only one venue.

4. Hopefully, with less crowd fanaticism, the umpiring will be fairer.

I think we have a fair chance of doing well at Sharjah, perhaps even drawing the test series in spite of the absence of Lara .

The news about Sarwan is disturbing. The practice game beginning today should generate even more interest.

I will go out on a limb and select the following 15 players :

1. Carl Hooper

2. Chris Gayle

3. Darren Ganga

4. Wavell Hinds

5. Sherwyn Campbell

6. Marlon Samuels

7. Shivnarine Chanderpaul

8. Ridley Jacobs

9. Ian Bradshaw

10. Dinanath Ramnarine

11. Corey Collymore

12. Pedro Collins

13. Merv Dillon

14. Cameron Cuffy (if not fit, then Jermaine Lawson)

15. Ryan Hinds

Campbell has done relatively well against Pakistan in the past. Given Lara and Sarwan's absence, his experience and leadership qualities could prove to be invaluable.