Best, Bernard Left Out

Barbadian fast bowler Tino Best will have to wait a little longer for his Test debut.

The West Indies selection panel omitted Best and Jamaican all-rounder David Bernard Jr. from a 12-man list for the second Test in Trinidad & Tobago but there is no word yet on the make up of the final XI.

Best was drafted into the side to replace Jermaine Lawson, who contracted the chickenpox virus. Jamaican wicket-keeper Carlton Baugh is certain to make his Test debut along with Anguillan off-spinner Omari Banks, who was named in the 12.

One big decision is who will make way for vice-captain Ramnaresh Sarwan. It all depends on who is chosen to open the batting. If Wavell Hinds and Devon Smith are retained, it means either Marlon Samuels or Daren Ganga will be the odd man out.

Coming off his maiden Test Century, and playing at home, it is tough to see Ganga being left out but Samuels presents a bowling option to Brian Lara and could gain the nod. The likely scenario, however, is that Samuels will make way for Sarwan.

SECOND TEST 12

Brian Lara (captain)
Ramnaresh Sarwan (vice-captain)
Omari Banks
Carlton Baugh, Jr.
Shivnarine Chanderpaul
Pedro Collins
Mervyn Dillon
Vasbert Drakes
Daren Ganga
Wavell Hinds
Marlon Samuels
Devon Smith