Sarwan back for Windies

21 March 2008

Ramnaresh Sarwan has not played a West Indies Test for 10 months © Getty Images

Ramnaresh Sarwan will make his long-awaited Test return when West Indies take on Sri Lanka in the first Test.

It is 10 months since Sarwan last played Test cricket - the then captain managed less than a day in the field in the second Test against England at Headingley Carnegie last May before falling awkwardly and damaging his shoulder.

Things will be different when he makes his return.

The Providence Stadium in Sarwan’s native Guyana will be the venue - the debutant stadium is a far cry from Headingley both in geography and history.

More tellingly, perhaps, is a change in captain for West Indies.

After guiding them to their first Test victory in nearly three year’s in the 2-1 series defeat in South Africa earlier this year, opener Chris Gayle has earned the right to again skipper the side.

And Gayle insists his troops are in good spirits for the visit of Sri Lanka.

"What we have is a very balanced team and the expectations are very high,” he said.

“We're looking forward to this series in a big way. We believe we can match up against the Sri Lankans and come out on top.

Sewnarine Chattergoon could make his Test debut in the first Test match © Getty Images

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"Sri Lanka has a very good team - an experienced bowling unit and very good batsmen. We believe in our ability.

“We will plan well and go out there and attack."

Gayle has a number of new faces at his disposal, with uncapped spinners Sulieman Benn and Amit Jaggernauth named in the squad.

Guyana opener Sewnarine Chattergoon could also earn his first cap, whilst Ryan Hinds is poised for his first Test appearance in three years.

Gayle said: “This is a big series and a big opportunity for players to stamp their authority.”

Sri Lanka’s team will also have something of an unfamiliar look to it, with bowlers Rangana Herath and Thilan Thushara recalled to the team as well as batsman Malinda Warnapura.

There are some big shoes to fill in the side, with opener Sanath Jayasuriya having retired and tearaway bowler Lasith Malinga unavailable because of a knee injury.

Bowlers Farveez Maharoof (side) and Dilhara Fernando (ankle) are also absent.

The experience they do have is formidable though - spinner Muttiah Muralitharan and seamer Chaminda Vaas have a combined 113 Test wickets in the Caribbean.

“We have some young, exciting talent, and we still have Chaminda Vaas and Murali, so we still have quality, said captain Mahela Jayawardene.

“We have confidence in those who are here."