Back injury sidelines Sarwan

A back injury has sidelined West Indies batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan for the opening Test against Australia that started yesterday evening Caribbean time.



Sarwan fell awkwardly while executing a fielding drill on the eve of the Test, and jarred his back.



Following a late fitness just prior to the start on the opening day of the Test, the unfortunate decision was made to omit Sarwan from the final 11.



Sarwan was looking forward to the Test, after he was the West Indies’ most prolific batsmen in their drawn opening tour match against Queensland Bulls last weekend, when he scored 73 and 66.



Sarwan’s absence gives his compatriot Travis Dowlin the chance to play his third Test.



The 32-year-old Dowlin made his Test debut against Bangladesh during the tumultuous home series earlier this year, when several players walked out on the West Indies Cricket Board.



West Indies have also named Ravi Rampaul and Adrian Barath as two Test newcomers in their line-up, while Australia-born left-hander Brendan Nash is playing his first Test on what he used to consider home soil.



Australia have no debutants, but both Marcus North and Ben Hilfenhaus are playing their first Tests on home soil.