Windies on Standby to Replace Pakistan

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has agreed to send a team to play the five NatWest one-day internationals in place of Pakistan if the touring team should withdraw in protest in the aftermath of Sunday?s forfeited fourth Test, according to a report in the Times Online.

The report, written by veteran journalist Christoper Martin-Jenkins, said the ECB has been lining up alternative opposition -- including the West Indies -- after it was unable to get "unequivocal assurances" from Pakistan officials.

It said the West Indies came to the rescue late Thursday as alternative opposition for the five 50-over internationals.