Where's the Surprise?

Finally, it seems the West Indies selectors have run out of major surprises.

The Viv Richards-led panel, which made a habit out of plucking players out of nowhere, has gone the semi-predictable route for the Test squad to England, adding Trinidad & Tobago all-rounder Dwayne Bravo into the mix and officially discarding veteran paceman Merv Dillon from the senior side.

But, even as the selectors avoided a major surprise pick, there were a few eyebrow-raising choices. Fidel Edwards, who struggled badly against Bangladesh and had to be pulled out of the ODI squad with a hamstring injury, is recalled for the four-match nPower Test series which starts on July 22 at Lord's.

Against the advice of many, including fast bowling legend Andy Roberts, the selectors picked Jermaine Lawson in the squad.

Antiguan batsman Sylvester Joseph is also included in the batting line-up that includes the obvious selections of Brian Lara (captain), Ronnie Sarwan (VC), Shiv Chanderpaul, Chris Gayle, Devon Smith, Dwayne Smith and Ridley Jacobs.

There is no back-up opener in the squad and Omari Banks is the lone spinner chosen although Dave Mohammed has been added to a stand-by list.

Carlton Baugh Jr. will back-up Ridley Jacobs behind the stumps.

Alongside Edwards and Lawson, the other fast bowlers are Pedro Collins, Tino Best and Ravi Rampaul.

The Test leg of tour follows the triangular Natwest One-Day International Series which begins on June 24 and involves the West Indies, New Zealand and the host England.

FULL TEST SQUAD:
Brian Lara (captain)
Ramnaresh Sarwan
Chris Gayle
Devon Smith
Shiv Chanderpaul
Dwayne Smith
Ridley Jacobs
Ravi Rampaul
Tino Best
Fidel Edwards
Jermaine Lawson
Pedro Collins
Omari Banks
Carlton Baugh Jr.
Dwayne Bravo
Sylvester Joseph

STAND-BY PLAYERS:
Corey Collymore
Dave Mohammed
Darren Sammy

Manager of the squad is Tony Howard with Gus Logie as coach, Ronald Rogers as Trainer, Andrew Simpson as physiotherapist and Imran Khan as Media Liaison. There is no bowling coach.