Ramdin dropped for Pakistan ODIs

West Indies have left out wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin from their squad for the first two ODIs against Pakistan in Guyana later this month. Fast bowler Ravi Rampaul, who injured his ankle in the opening match of the ODI tri-series a couple of weeks ago, remains sidelined. There were no other changes from the squad that West Indies picked for the tri-series ODIs in Trinidad.

Ramdin has hit only one half-century since his recall to the West Indies one-day side in October 2011, and has been dropped in several recent matches, both during the Champions Trophy and the home tri-series which also featured India and Sri Lanka. In Ramdin's absence West Indies used opener Johnson Charles behind the stumps, and haven't picked any specialist wicketkeeper in the squad.

 

Denesh Ramdin was bowled for 4, West Indies v India, West Indies tri-series, Kingston, June 30, 2013

West Indies haven't had too much success in the one-day format over the past 12 months, having lost away to Bangladesh and Australia besides a disappointing Champions Trophy campaign. They were also knocked out of the home tri-series before the final, and the only recent series win is the home victory over lightweights Zimbabwe.

 

They will be looking to improve that record when Pakistan arrive for five ODIs and two Twenty20s. The series begins on Sunday, with the first ODI in Guyana.

 

Squad for first two ODIs

• Dwayne Bravo (captain), Tino Best, Darren Bravo, Johnson Charles, Chris Gayle, Jason Holder, Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, Kemar Roach, Darren Sammy, Marlon Samuels, Lendl Simmons, Devon Smith