Dwayne Smith Out of Hong Kong Sixes

Jamaican middle-order batsman Marlon Samuels will replace Dwayne Smith in the West Indies team for the Hong Kong Sixes International Tournament at the Kowloon Cricket Club next weekend, according to a CMC news report.

"Marlon will take the place of Dwayne. The physio has recommended that Dwayne has a bit of rest. Both will be key players in the lead-up to the 2007 Cricket World Cup, and we will want to have both very fresh," said team manager Zorol Barthley.

Smith is not carrying a major injury, but rest has been recommended. Both players are members of the West Indies team playing in the International Cricket Council's Champions Trophy in India.

Neither has been selected for the three-Test series in Pakistan, which starts on November 11 in Lahore.

The Hong Kong Sixes is being played November 11-12.

The West Indies finished second to India in Hong Kong last year and pocketed US$50,000.

The team will be led by batsman Sylvester Joseph and also includes Samuels, wicket-keeper Carlton Baugh, allrounder Esuan Crandon, Narsingh Deonarine, Tonito Willett, and Darren Sammy.