WICB Confirms Chanderpaul Captaincy

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has rubber-stamped the recommendation from its selection panel that Shivnarine Chanderpaul continue as captain for the upcoming tour of New Zealand.

In a statement confirming a Tony Cozier scoop on Chanderpaul's nomination, the WICB also officially announced that two separate squads will participate in the tour, which runs from February 16 to March 29.

"Shivnarine Chanderpaul will continue to lead West Indies side with Ramnaresh Sarwan as vice captain," the WICB said.

"This is in conformity with the Board's previously established policy that once a captain has been appointed by the Board he remains captain after that tour until such time that the Selectors make a new recommendation for Captain," it added.

As previously reported, Windward Islands captain and leg-spinner Rawl Lewis earns a recall to the side after outstanding performances in the 2005 Carib Beer Series.

Jamaican fast bowler Jerome Taylor returns from injury which kept him out since the 2005 home series. Runako Morton and Daren Ganga were also picking in both squads.

The West Indies team will play its first 20-20 International on February 16 followed by five One Day Internationals and three Tests matches. The team returns to the Caribbean at the end of March.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul (captain), Ramnaresh Sarwan (vice captain), Chris Gayle, Daren Ganga, Runako Morton, Dwayne Bravo, Dwayne Smith, Denesh Ramdin, Jerome Taylor, Ian Bradshaw, Rawl Lewis, Fidel Edwards, Deighton Butler, Wavell Hinds.

TEST SQUAD:
Shivnarine Chanderpaul (captain), Ramnaresh Sarwan (vice captain), Chris Gayle, Brian Lara, Daren Ganga, Runako Morton, Dwayne Bravo, Dwayne Smith, Denesh Ramdin, Jerome Taylor, Ian Bradshaw, Rawle Lewis, Fidel Edwards, Daren Powell, Devon Smith.