TT captain daren Ganga in First Test squad

Former captain Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who suffered a hamstring injury during the one-day phase, and opener Daren Ganga, omitted for the recently concluded Digicel One-Day international home series against Zimbabwe and India, were both chosen.

Also back in the Test fray is Jamaican allrounder Marlon Samuels, who did not make the tour to New Zealand earlier this year due to chronic knee problems.

With captain Brian Lara as well as fellow left-handers Chanderpaul and Chris Gayle as automatic selections, Ganga is certain to partner Gayle at the top of the order.

And all-rounder Dwayne Bravo at number six would mean that Samuels and Runako Morton may be the odd ones out.

Ramnaresh Sarwan, who was forced to return home before the New Zealand Test series because of a torn muscle in his right leg, is expected to reclaim his place as number three in the batting order.

Wicket-keeper Denesh Ramdin, despite his inconsistency in New Zealand, retains his place while left-arm spinner Dave Mohammed joins Ian Bradshaw, Corey Collymore, Fidel Edwards and Jerome Taylor in the bowling attack.

Mohammed’s inclusion came as no surprise, as he amassed a tournament-leading 45 wickets in the Carib Beer Series, while Bradshaw and Edwards had encouraging performances in New Zealand and here in the Caribbean.

Collymore and Taylor, who have both made full comebacks from respective knee and back problems, may be fighting for the final bowling spot.

The Antigua Recreation Ground renowned as a batting paradise — 53 centuries have been scored in 20 Tests at the venue including eight in the match against South Africa contest last year.

SQUAD —

Brian Lara (captain), Christopher Gayle, Daren Ganga, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Marlon Samuels, Runako Morton, Dwayne Bravo, Denesh Ramdin, Ian Bradshaw, Jerome Taylor, Corey Collymore, Fidel Edwards, Dave Mohammed.