Windies seek winning start against Pakistan
Published:Thursday | April 21, 2011 | 4:21 PM
A new-look West Indies team and Pakistan will face off this afternoon as the Digicel Home Series bowls off with the lone 20/20 International at the Beausejour Cricket Ground in St Lucia.
The match is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. Jamaica time.
Just five members of the team that played the World Cup quarterfinal against Pakistan last month are in the squad for the match.
Though Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard were not eligible for selection because they did not play in the Caribbean 20/20 earlier this year, there is no place for Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Ramnaresh Sarwan or Sulieman Benn.
The match marks the return of Jamaican batsman Marlon Samuels following a two-year ban from international cricket.
He will be joined by the stylish stroke-maker Darren Bravo and flashy right-hander Lendl Simmons, who has been recalled after over a year in the wilderness.
They will combine with exciting all-rounder Andre Russell and wily leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo in the new look squad that boasts four new caps.
Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi said he is expecting his young team to entertain the Caribbean cricket fans.
The series also includes five One-Day Internationals and two Tests.