Barbados leave Philo Wallace on the sidelines

hilo Wallace, Barbados's most successful batsman in West Indies' first-class competitions, has been overlooked for the 2004 Carib Beer Series. Wallace, 33, has not been included in a 15-man squad that will take part in a six-day training camp at Barbados's army base.

In light of his consistency since making his debut in 1990, Wallace's non-selection came as a surprise to many observers. In 107 first-class matches, he scored 6,670 runs, including 12 centuries, at an average 36.25. Wallace, a former successful Barbados captain, also represented the West Indies with modest success in seven Tests and 33 one-day internationals.

Barbados, the defending double crown champions after winning the Carib Beer Cup and International Challenge last season, open their 2004 campaign with a match against Guyana at Bridgetown from January 9 to 12.

Wicketkeeper Courtney Browne has been retained as captain and opener Sherwin Campbell is vice-captain.

Barbados squad Courtney Browne (capt), Sulieman Benn, Tino Best, Ian Bradshaw, Mwanghi Broomes, Sherwin Campbell, Pedro Collins, Ryan Hinds, Ryan Hurley, Ryan Layne, Antonio Mayers, Martin Nurse, Ryan Nurse, Floyd Reifer, Kurt Wilkinson.