‘Tadpole’ dropped from WI squad

KINGSTON: The West Indies yesterday cut left-arm spinner Dave “Tadpole” Mohammed, the only specialist slow bowler, so the team will depend on pace for the opening cricket Test  against England. Mohammed, from Trinidad and Tobago,  was dropped  from the training squad of 16 that attended the four-day preparatory camp that ended on Sunday. Fast bowler Dwight Washington and Carlton Baugh, both from Jamaica, are the other players left out as the squad was reduced to 13. It leaves the inexperienced quartet of Fidel Edwards, Corey Collymore, Adam Sanford and Tino Best as the bowling lineup for the opener of the Cable and Wireless series.

The four have a total of 24 Tests and 77 wickets behind them. Batsmen Ricardo Powell and Ryan Hinds were both recalled to the Test unit, but are unlikely to make the final 11. Hinds’ useful left-arm spin boosts his chances. Devon Smith returns to the team after a tournament-high 842 runs and four centuries in the 2004 Carib Beer Series regional tournament. The Grenadian, who played four Tests against Australia a year ago, is certain to open the batting with fellow left-hander Chris Gayle. West Indies Squad: Brian Lara (captain), Chris Gayle, Devon Smith, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Dwayne Smith, Ridley Jacobs, Tino Best, Adam Sanford, Corey Collymore, Fidel Edwards, Ricardo Powell, Ryan Hinds. Coach: Gus Logie. Manager: Ricky  Skerritt.