West Indies drop Sarwan for second Test

The West Indies dropped batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan on Thursday from the team to play Australia in the second Test starting on Friday.

Sarwan, 20, was demoted to 12th man as selectors recalled Wavell Hinds to the team. Leg-spinner Mahendra Nagamootoo, 12th man in last week's first Test defeat, was cut from the squad.

Australia also made one change to their squad from the first Test with fast bowler Jason Gillespie recalled for middle-order batsman Damien Martyn.

Gillespie has not played a Test in more than 14 months after breaking his leg in Sri Lanka last year but seems certain to play with Andrew Bichel likely to be named as 12th man when the starting team is announced on Friday.

Sarwan topped the West Indian batting averages on this year's tour of England but has struggled to find his form since arriving in Australia.

He failed to score in each of his last four innings and made a pair in last week's innings defeat to Australia in the first Test in Brisbane.

Hinds, 24, has played 10 Tests for West Indies but lost his place in the starting 11 after the England tour.

Former captain Brian Lara was also named in the team despite needing treatment for a hamstring problem.

The 31-year-old trained at half pace on Thursday but West Indies captain Jimmy Adams said Lara was fit enough to play.

"He had a slight problem and it was seen to and he assures me that everything will be okay," Adams said.

Mail Cricket Editor