ODI Series - Preview

An experienced yet undoubtedly fatigued Australian ODI unit will face a renewed West Indian side in the upcoming 7 -match ODI series.

In selecting their squad, Australia resisted the temptation to rest key players such as Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist, Jason Gillespie and Brett Lee for the series.

The only change to the original squad is that of the call-up to Michael Clarke, who will replace the injured Damien Martyn in the squad and possibly at number 4.

Batsmen Andrew Symonds, Michael Bevan, all-rounder Ian Harvey and off-spinner Nathan Hauritz will be the new faces in the squad joining those who have already been on tour for the best part of 6 weeks.

The West Indies, meanwhile, will line-up with a new look side following an embarrassing first round exit in the World Cup.

Captain Carl Hooper has been shafted, as has experienced paceman Nixon McLean and left-armer Pedro Collins, while Wavell Hinds will also be a non-starter following a disappointing few months.

Meanwhile, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Ridley Jacobs will miss the series with finger and groin injures respectively, an untimely blow following their critical roles in the victorious 4th Test campaign.

The squad includes five potential debutants: Omari Banks, Devon Smith, Ryan Hurley, Dave Bernard and Carlton Baugh Jr.

In all-rounders Banks, Hurley and Bernard, opener Smith and keeper Baugh, the side takes an inexperienced yet very promising look into the series.

Along with old timers such as Brian Lara, Mervyn Dillon and Vasbert Drakes, the squad on paper looks more than capable of snatching a few victories during the series.

With the untimely blow of Chanderpaul announced yesterday, selectors are yet to name a replacement but may look towards Hinds, Test series hero Daren Ganga or the uncapped Narsingh Deonarine.

The series begins at Kingston, Jamaica tonight and concludes at St George's Park on June 1.

The squads are:

West Indies:
Brian Lara ©
Ramnaresh Sarwan (vc)
Omari Banks
Carlton Baugh Jr.
Dave Bernard
Ricardo Powell
Corey Collymore
Mervyn Dillon
Vasbert Drakes
Chris Gayle
Ryan Hurley
Jermaine Lawson
Marlon Samuels
Devon Smith (one to be added).

Australia:
Ricky Ponting ©
Adam Gilchrist (vc)
Matthew Hayden
Jimmy Maher
Darren Lehmann
Michael Clarke
Andrew Symonds
Michael Bevan
Ian Harvey
Brad Hogg
Andy Bichel
Nathan Hauritz
Brett Lee
Jason Gillespie
Glenn McGrath.

Posted by Andre