Ja's Samuels, Russell in new-look WI ODI squad

ST JOHN'S, Antigua (CMC):

One new cap, as well as recalls for Marlon Samuels and Lendl Simmons, and the return of Dwayne Bravo are the features of the West Indies team picked for the first two one-day internationals (ODI) against Pakistan later this month.

Experienced players like Shiv-narine Chanderpaul, Ramnaresh Sarwan and left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn have continued to bear the brunt of the team's failure at the World Cup, which concluded earlier this month on the Asain sub-continent.

"We have looked at a mix of players who will take us through the next five to 10 years, and with this squad, we have put together a youthful but exciting combination of exceptionally talented cricketers who we believe can win matches," said chairman of selectors Clyde Butts.

familiar faces

"There are some familiar faces who have not been included on this occasion, but we have already identified the core of players who we will build the team around."

All of the other players that featured at the World Cup, excluding the injured Chris Gayle and the Indian Premier League (IPL)-engaged Kieron Pollard, have been retained in the squad, whose only newcomer is leg-spinner Anthony Martin, for the matches to be contested on Saturday, April 23, and Monday, April 25, at the Beausejour Cricket Ground.

"The time has come for us to introduce a fresh crop of players who we believe have a deep desire to excel and who can be tested at the international level," said Butts.

"We have already seen players like Kemar Roach, Darren Bravo, Andre Russell and Devendra Bishoo performing impressively on the international stage, and we believe that players like Kirk Edwards and Anthony Martin can step up similarly."

SQUAD: Darren Sammy (captain), Dwayne Bravo (vice-captain), Devendra Bishoo, Darren Bravo, Kirk Edwards, Anthony Martin, Ravi Rampaul, Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels, Lendl Simmons, Devon Smith, Devon Thomas.