Vasbert Drakes Set for World Cup Audition

In what must be seen as an audition for the World Cup, fast bowling all-rounder Vasbert Drakes has been named in a 20-man squad to represent Barbados in next month's Red Stripe Bowl competition.

The 32-year-old Drakes, who appeared in five ODIs for the West Indies during the 1994/95 home series against Australia, is a bright star on the South Africa pro circuit but because of the rigid eligibility requirements in the Caribbean, his international career never took off.

He has represented Border (South Africa) Sussex, Nottinghamshire and Warwickshire but never got an extended look in West Indies cricket. In 2000, Drakes named among five South Africa's top player.

The Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) also confirmed reports that captain Sherwin Campbell would miss the competition because of contractual commitments with Lashings Club in England. It is believed former skipper Philo Wallace will assume the post.

The Barbados squad also includes three players now on tour with the West Indies 'A' team -- Ryan Hinds, Tino Best and Sulieman Benn.

Barbados is grouped with Jamaica, Leeward Islands, St Vincent and the Grenadines and a from the University of the West Indies (UWI) in Zone A of the competition, to be played in Jamaica.

FULL SQUAD:
Philo Wallace, Vasbert Drakes, Corey Collymore, Pedro Collins, Floyd Reifer, Dale Richards, Dwayne Smith, Ryan Hinds, Callitos Lopez, Antonio Mayers, Ryan Austin, Sulieman Benn, Tino Best, Ian Bradshaw, Courtney Browne, Patrick Browne, Carlo Morris, Ryan Nurse, Kurt Wilkinson and Dwayne Yearwood.

** CLICK HERE for the itinerary of the 2002 Red Stripe Bowl.