Nadine George retires ahead of World Cup

West Indies will be without the experienced Nadine George for the Women's World Cup in Australia in March. George, who has decided to retire, is not part of the 20-member training squad named by the board.

George captained the team on its tours of Europe and Sri Lanka last year, but managed only 53 runs in nine innings. The 40-year-old St Lucia resident had been awarded an MBE in 2005, and will be remembered as the first West Indies woman to score a Test hundred - against Pakistan in 2004.

Most of the touring party that went to Sri Lanka are part of the training squad, with Phernel Charles and Erva Giddings the two names missing besides George. Veterans Pamela Lavine, Cordel Jack and Debbie-Ann Lewis make a return. All three were part of the team that played the 2005 World Cup, but were dropped from the Sri Lanka tour.

A newcomer is allrounder Pearl Etienne from Dominica. Three others in the squad played at the last World Cup - Kirbyina Alexander, who was vice-captain during the Sri Lanka visit, Anisa Mohammed and Juliana Nero.

The 20 probables will train in Barbados from January 21 to 31, under the supervision of head coach Sherwin Campbell, the former West Indies opener. Following the camp, the final list of 15 for the World Cup will be named, as well as the captain and vice-captain.

West Indies will face defending champions Australia, New Zealand and South Africa in the first round of the eight-team tournament. The top three will move to the Super Six stage.

Squad: Merissa Aguilleira, Kirbyina Alexander, Shemaine Campbell, Shanel Daley, Deandra Dottin, Pearl Etienne, Afy Fletcher, Geneille Greaves, Cordel Jack, Stacy-Ann King, Pamela Lavine, Debbie-Ann Lewis, Tracey Miller, Anisa Mohammed, Juliana Nero, Gaitri Seethal, Shakera Selman, Danielle Small, Charlene Taitt, Stefanie Taylor.