Samuels axed by Windies

/ Editor / 03 May 2007 / Leave a Comment

West Indies have begun their rebuilding programme by dropping batsman Marlon Samuels for the upcoming Test series in England.

The former greats are desperate to reverse their fortunes after a disappointing World Cup on home soil and Samuels is a high-profile casualty after he scored 216 runs at an average of 30 during the World Cup.

He remains the subject of ongoing investigations by the International Cricket Council's Anti-Corruption Unit and West Indies board following claims by Indian police that he had contact with a bookmaker prior to a one-day series earlier this year.

No explanation has been given, however, for Samuels' omission by West Indies, who are on offer as the 8.4 outsiders to kick off their tour of England with a first Test victory, with the Three Lions trading as the 1.66 favourites.

The selectors have chosen a 15-man squad which includes five pacemen and two seam-bowling all-rounders, but no specialist spinner, and the side will be captained by batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan.

Chairman of selectors Gordon Greenidge revealed West Indies are looking to the future but that sweeping changes were not imperative at this stage.

He said: "Though going that way may have some validity, we feel that we still wish to compete creditably in England, rather than just go through what one might consider the rebuilding process.

"We don't want to have players totally out of their depths. We want to know that we can still compete even if we do not win the series, and at least give a good account of ourselves.

"We have made some changes, and we feel we have the right mix, and we are hoping that this mix will start the ball rolling as far as the redevelopment or redefining of West Indies cricket for the future," he added.

England, themselves keen to get back to top form after a disappointing campaign in the Caribbean, are the 1.27 Series winner favourites, with West Indies not fancied at 10 and the draw available at 6.