Ganga to Lead President's XI

West Indies middle order batsman Daren Ganga has been named captain of the West Indies Cricket Board's (WICB) President's XI squad to face the visiting Sri Lankans in St Vincent from June 14-16.

Ganga, who was not picked for the just-concluded ODI series against Australia, is expected to get some match practice in the President's XI game ahead of the two-Test rubber against Sri Lanka. He will lead a 13-man squad of on-the-cusp players, all under the age of 25.

Opening batsman Devon Smith, who had a tough introduction to Test cricket against Australia and eventually lost his ODI place to Wavell Hinds, was included in the President's XI squad along with fellow rookies David Bernard and Carlton Baugh.

Dwayne Bravo, who quit the Shell Academy earlier this week to ensure he would be available for selection, wins a place alongside left-handed all-rounder Ryan Hinds, who lost his Test place after a forgettable tour of India.

West Indies 'B' team batting stars Aniel Kanhai and Narsingh Deonarine, who scored 524 runs and 521 runs respectively in the Carib Beer Cup season, both won places in the President's XI squad.

The 25-year-old Darren Powell, who was just recalled for the first two ODIs against Sri Lanka, is the oldest player in the squad. Jerome Taylor, the impressive 18-year-old fast bowler from Jamaica, also gained a place along with Jason Bennett, Tino Best and spinner Dave Mohammed.

PRESIDENT'S XI SQUAD:

Daren Ganga (captain)
Devon Smith
Ryan Hinds
Narsingh Deonarine
Dwayne Bravo
Carlton Baugh, Jr.
Aniel Kanhai
David Bernard, Jr.
Jason Bennett
Tino Best
Dave Mohammed
Daren Powell
Jerome Taylor

Team Coach: Ian Allen
Team Manager: Julian Jack