Seven WI Test players in Prez XI

NATIONAL and West Indies middle order batsman Daren Ganga has been named captain of the West Indies Cricket Board’s (WICB) President’s XI squad to face the visiting Sri Lankans in St Vincent from June 14-16. Ganga, who was not picked for the just concluded one-day international series against Australia, is expected to get some match practice in the President’s XI game ahead of the two-Test rubber against Sri Lanka. He will lead a 13-man squad, all under the age of 25. Opening batsman Devon Smith, who had a tough introduction to Test cricket against Australia and eventually lost his one-day place to fellow left-hander Wavell Hinds, was included in the President’s XI squad along with fellow rookies — all-rounder David Bernard and wicketkeeper Carlton Baugh.
 
Dwayne Bravo, who quit the Shell Academy a fortnight ago to ensure he would be available for selection, wins a place alongside left-handed all-rounder Ryan Hinds, who lost his Test place after a forgettable tour of India last November. West Indies ‘B’ team left-handed batting stars Aniel Kanhai and Narsingh Deonarine, who scored 524 runs and 521 runs respectively in the Carib Beer Cup season, both won places in the President’s XI squad. The 25-year-old Darren Powell, who was just recalled for the first two one-dayers against Sri Lanka, is the oldest player in the squad. Powell’s fellow Jamaican fast bowler, the impressive 18-year-old Jerome Taylor, also gained a place along with Jason Bennett, Tino Best and spinner Dave Mohammed. Former St Vincent and WI pacer Ian Allen will serve as coach while compatriot Julian Jack is the manager.

Full squad: Daren Ganga (capt), Devon Smith, Ryan Hinds, Narsingh Deonarine, Dwayne Bravo, Carlton Baugh, Aneil Kanhai, David Bernard, Jason Bennett, Tino Best, Dave Mohammed, Daren Powell, Jerome Taylor.