Wavell Hinds in WI T20 World Cup squad

Thu, Apr 1, '10

From DigicelCricket.com

The West Indies selectors have pulled several surprises in the West Indies 15 man for the ICC World Twenty20 Tournament. The Clyde Butts-led panel has shown a clear preference for experience as they recalled veteran batsman Wavell Hinds while ignoring the young Trinidadian trio of Adrian Barath, Darren Bravo and Lendl Simmons.

"Wavell Hinds has been recalled and he brings a wealth of experience. He is a knowledgeable cricketer and we believe can make a good contribution in the middle-order as well,” Butts said of the Jamaican left hander.

Seasoned batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan and fast bowler Jerome Taylor return to the squad after recovering from back injuries.

The selectors have kept faith with Grenadian top order batsman Andre Fletcher who has not been faring well with the bat in his recent outings at the highest level. With Gayle being the lone regular opening batsman the decision to select only one other specialist opener in Fletcher may mean that he is sure to play. Alternatively Shivnarine Chanderpaul could open with Gayle.

Fletcher will also serve as back-up wicketkeeper to Denesh Ramdin, who himself has been under-performing with the bat.

"The strength is in the all-round ability of the team. Overall, we have a balanced side with good all-round strength. We want to prepare well, because good preparation leads to good results,” Butts said.

"We have Chris Gayle at the top of the order and he can be a match-winner. It is also good to have our experienced players in the middle-order – Shiv Chanderpaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan – and this gives us strength in the batting,” Butts said.

"We are confident our players will deliver on the home stage. If we play as a unit we have a very good chance of winning the ICC T20 World Tournament,” Butts said.

"We are happy to have Jerome Taylor back in the bowling department and this is a big plus. I also believe Sulieman Benn will play a major role with the ball."

Some of the players, Butts said, were in Barbados last week and they now head to Jamaica for the Jamaica Cricket Festival where the team will play against Ireland and Canada.

West Indies squad: Chris Gayle (Captain), Sulieman Benn, Dwayne Bravo, Shiv Chanderpaul, Narsingh Deonarine, Andre Fletcher, Wavell Hinds, Nikita Miller, Kieron Pollard, Denesh Ramdin, Ravi Rampaul, Kemar Roach, Darren Sammy, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Jerome Taylor.

In addition to Barath, Darren Bravo and Simmons other players also missing out are David Bernard Jr, Carlton Baugh, Runako Morton and Dwayne Smith.