West Indies turn to spin

West Indies have picked two spinners for the opening Test against Sri Lanka in Galle on Tuesday after an injury to fast bowler Reon King.

Team manager Ricky Skerritt said King's injury and the prospect of a dry, turning pitch prompted the selection of left-arm spinner Neil McGarrell and leg-spinner Dinanath Ramnarine ahead of pacemen Marlon Black and Pedro Collins.

King, diagnosed with a suspected hernia, could have played with the aid of painkillers but the selectors decided on an extra spin bowler.

Sri Lanka have never beaten West Indies in Tests but have won four out of the six Tests they have played at Galle, including the last three.

"It was always going to be a question of how we read the pitch," Skerritt told the CMC sport radio programme on Monday.

"The pitch is dry and looks like it will offer plenty of turn as it deteriorates considerably over the five days of the match," he added.

"The tour selection committee also felt that it was the right thing to do. McGarrell has had a good introduction to Test cricket in the three Tests he has played and he also adds depth to the batting."

Skerritt believes the workout that the side's bowlers were given during their second warm-up match against Sri Lanka A, which ended in a draw on Saturday, demonstrated how difficult conditions will be for bowlers.

"I think that mentally they are prepared for the work ahead. Their inexperience is noted, but I think all the bowlers have the commitment and focus that could surprise many of us," he said.

West Indies have had little preparation for the opening Test of the three after rain affected both warm-up matches.

West Indies - Carl Hooper (captain), Daren Ganga, Chris Gayle, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Brian Lara, Marlon Samuels, Ridley Jacobs, Neil McGarrell, Mervyn Dillon, Dinanath Ramnarine, Colin Stuart, Wavell Hinds (12th man).

Mail Cricket Editor