ST GEORGE’S – Versatile Barbadian cricketer Jonathan Carter has been called up as cover for all-rounder Kieron Pollard in the West Indies squad for the first of three One-Day Internationals against Zimbabwe at the Grenada National Stadium today.
The big-hitting Pollard, who was part of Dhaka Gladiators’ title-winning side in the Bangladesh Premier?League last Tuesday, has experienced travel difficulties in reaching Grenada ahead of the start of the three-match ODI?series, which will see the West Indies seeking to rebound from their recent 5-0 whitewash at the hands of Australia Down Under.
Carter, 25, an attractive stroke-making left-hander, who is also a lively seam bowler and part-time wicketkeeper, is yet to play at the international level but is coming off two half-centuries in the Regional 4-Day championship.
Despite not posting a century at the regional level, Carter, who has played for the West Indies “A” Team over the past two years, was the leading batsman for Barbados in last year’s first-class championship with 504 runs.
A large crowd was expected at the Chinese-built state-of-the-art National Stadium in the capital to welcome the return of international cricket to the island after about four years, officials said.
West Indies last played in the Spice Isle back in 2009 during a Test series against Bangladesh and their return is being eagerly anticipated on the island.
“It is great to be back in Grenada as international cricket makes a return to the Grenada National Stadium,” said the West Indies Cricket Board’s event manager Cindy McLean.
Officials reported a buzz in Grenada as fans look forward to seeing West Indies players on show in the Caribbean for the first time since their ICC World T20 victory in Sri Lanka last year.
Newly-elected Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell has also announced a public holiday today following Tuesday’s general election.
Zimbabwe last toured the Caribbean in 2010 when they were beaten 4-1 in a five-match ODI?series.
But stand-in West Indies captain Dwayne Bravo, who leads the side in the absence of the resting Darren Sammy, has warned against complacency against opponents who lost all eight ODIs they played last year.
“Cricket is played on the day and if we don’t do the right things, Zimbabwe are going to beat us . . . . We are coming up against an opposition that is hungry for success and this will be a good series. We just want to do our part, play well, be consistent and come out on top,” Bravo said.
“We have to give respect to the Zimbabwe team. They are a good team. The last time they came here they were leading the ODI series at one stage and we had to fight back to defeat them. We have to remember that. They have some good players in their set-up.”
Bravo said West Indies had to focus on what was required to win games during the lead-up to the series.
“We have young and exciting players in our team and we are looking forward to these matches. I am happy to be captaining the West Indies team and I see it as an honour to do this job. I will bring the energy and will look to lead from the front and inspire the team to win,” he said.
Opener Vusi Sibanda, who slammed 147 off 114 balls before retiring in the warm-up tour opener against the Vice-Chancellor’s XI,?will lead the Zimbabwe batting.
West Indies will be hoping the experienced Ramnaresh Sarwan, who showed signs of a return to form with a knock of 90 while representing the Vice-Chancellor’s XI, will build from that innings after enduring lean times in the Caribbean T20 and the tour of Australia.
In the absence of the prolific Chris Gayle, who is unavailable for the series, Windies will have a new opening pair in Kieran Powell and Johnson Charles, who posted a maiden ODI?century against the Aussies.
Apart from the three ODIs, two T20s are slated for the Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua while two Test matches are scheduled for Kensington Oval, from March 12 to 16 and Windsor Park, Dominica, from March 20 to 24. (CMC/EZS)
SQUADS
WEST INDIES (from): Dwayne Bravo (captain), Tino Best, Darren Bravo, Jonathan Carter, Johnson Charles, Narsingh Deonarine, Sunil Narine, Veerasammy Permaul, Kieron Pollard, Kieran Powell, Denesh Ramdin, Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Ramnaresh Sarwan.
ZIMBABWE (from): Brendan Taylor (captain), Hamilton Masakadza, Vusi Sibanda, Tino Mawoyo, Kyle Jarvis, Tendai Chatara, Chris Mpofu, Prosper Utseya, Regis Chakabva, Malcolm Waller, Keegan Meth, Craig Ervine, Chamu Chibhabha, Tino Mutombodzi, Natsai M’shangwe.
Umpires: Ian Gould, Joel Wilson; Television umpire: Johan Cloete.
Fourth official: Peter Nero ICC match referee: Javagal Srinath.
