Narine picks IPL over Tests

Sunil Narine's decision to stay with Kolkata Knight Riders for the IPL final on Sunday will result in him not being considered for next month's Test series against New Zealand. Narine had been given a June 1 deadline by the WICB to join the training camp ahead of the Tests that start on June 8.

Most other West Indians in the IPL have been able to meet that deadline, but with Knight Riders making the final, Narine's stay in the IPL has been extended. Narine, though, will be considered for selection for the T20s against New Zealand in July.

Richard Pybus, the WICB director of cricket, said the new "West Indies First" policy required players to make themselves available for team's preparatory camps. "The onus of the WICB is to protect the integrity of international cricket at all times. International cricket, and specifically Test cricket, is priority and requires dedicated preparation which is integral to team success," he said. "The WICB policy requires players to commit to sufficient preparation leading in to a series as part of a culture of excellence."

Without Narine, West Indies will be short of a key bowler who has made his reputation principally in the shorter versions of the game (he is ranked No. 3 in ODIs and No. 2 in T20 Internationals by the ICC), but who has 18 of his 21 Test wickets against New Zealand, in two matches in the Caribbean in 2012 and one in New Zealand last December.

Offspinner Shane Shillingford, returning from his second clearance following suspension for an illegal delivery, and left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn, who played the last of his 17 Tests almost three and a half years ago, are the other spinners in the squad.