Two changes to West Indies squad for one-day series

The West Indies selectors yesterday named two changes to the current team for the upcoming triangular one-day series, which starts on December 8.

Barbadian all-rounder, Ryan Hinds, has been elevated to represent the senior West Indies, along with compatriot Corey Collymore, who makes his return to the senior team.

Hinds and Collymore are the only two changes announced yesterday to the West Indies team which has already conceded the Test series, and must now try and salvage some pride during the remainder of the tour.

Collymore, who was overlooked for the present Test series against Sri Lanka after coming highly recommended during the West Indies' home series earlier this year against South Africa, returns to the senior West Indies team. But his selection is sure to raise some eyebrows across the Caribbean. Collymore only represented Barbados in two preliminary round matches of the Red Stripe Bowl, and lost his place because of lack of form and control. It is for this reason that his inclusion in the West Indies' team for the triangular series is sure to cause some unease and discomfort.

However, the West Indies selectors have lived up to their widely-regarded reputation for "never failing to surprise", and surprise they did since their are obviously more qualified seam bowlers and all-rounders available in the West Indies, especially at a time when the West Indies bowling is depleted.

Hinds and Collymore will replace Jamaican Leon Garrick and Guyanese, Colin Stuart in the West Indies squad, which is already in Sri Lanka. They are scheduled to leave the Caribbean on Friday and arrive in Sri Lanka on Sunday morning (Sri Lanka time).

20-year-old Hinds made his first-class debut in 1999 against the Windward Islands, and is widely regarded as one of the few genuine all-rounders in the Caribbean. He last represented Barbados in the 2001 Red Stripe Bowl when he led the team, averaging 75.20 runs with two half-centuries in the four matches he played. He also captured five wickets in the tournament at an average of 26.20 runs apiece.

The triangular one-day series begins on December 8.