Nash in line for West Indies debut

Brendan Nash, the Australian-born batsman, has capped off a remarkable year by being named in West Indies' 14-man squad for next week's ODI tri-series in Canada. As expected, the side will be led by Chris Gayle after he withdrew his resignation as captain.

The squad also includes the uncapped Guyana middle-order batsman Leon Johnson, while the wicketkeeper Carlton Baugh is set for his first international action in nearly two years having replaced Denesh Ramdin. The most fascinating selection is that of Nash, 30, who relocated to the Caribbean a year ago.

Nash was born in Western Australia and played first-class cricket for Queensland for seven seasons before losing his state contract last June. He decided to try his luck in Jamaica, which his father Paul had represented in swimming at the Olympic Games, and had a successful first campaign that ended with a century in Jamaica's final victory.

Johnson, 21, also had a productive Carib Beer Series and despite failing to make a century, he was consistent enough to average 42.70 from six games. Nash and Johnson could be competing for a middle-order place with Shawn Findlay, who was rewarded after making a strong start to his international career against Australia.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul was rested and will rejoin the squad for the Champions Trophy, while Dwayne Bravo was unavailable due to an ankle injury. West Indies play Bermuda next Wednesday and Canada two days later, with the tri-series final to be held on August 24.

West Indies squad Chris Gayle (capt), Xavier Marshall, Sewnarine Chattergoon, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Brendan Nash, Shawn Findlay, Leon Johnson, Carlton Baugh (wk), Dave Mohammed, Nikita Miller, Jerome Taylor, Daren Powell, Kemar Roach, Fidel Edwards.