'Selectors want Lara, Dillon to play'

West Indies senior selectors want Brian Lara and Mervyn Dillon to play in the annual Gerry Gomez North-South Cricket Classic, scheduled for the Queen's Park from January 9 to 12, the Trinidad Guardian reported yesterday.

Lara, Dillon and Daren Ganga were omitted from the North and South teams because the they are scheduled to leave for Antigua on January 11, one day before the start of the West Indies World Cup training camp.

Lara and Dillon are members of the West Indies 15-man World Cup squad, while Ganga is one of the five reserves. Lara and Dillon are recovering from illness and injury, respectively.

"The West Indies senior selectors are keen for both Brian [Lara] and [Mervyn] Dillon to get as much match practice as possible," selector Joey Carew said.

"They have not played in any type of competition for a long time and we have asked the West Indies Cricket Board officials to allow both of them to join the training squad one day later than the others.

"We want both players to get the feel of a competitive match and get a chance to raise their level of fitness, which is an integral part of their readiness for the World Cup," he added.

"We are hoping the West Indies board officials accede to our request for them to play in the Gerry Gomez Classic next week."