WINDIES TOUR OF INDIA, 2018

Windies drop Devon Smith for India Tests

by Cricbuzz Staff • Last updated on

Sunil Ambris returns to the national side following a strong showing for the A team. © Getty

Windies have left out 36-year-old Devon Smith from a 15-member squad picked to take on India in the two-match Test series starting October 4. Sunil Ambris has been recalled to the outfit at the expense of Smith, who had returned after three years for the Sri Lanka Tests.

Smith scored two fifties in the nine innings he played on return, but in five of the other seven appearances, he could manage single-digit scores only.

Squad:Jason Holder (c), Sunil Ambris, Devendra Bishoo, Kraigg Brathwaite, Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Jahmar Hamilton, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Keemo Paul, Kieran Powell, Kemar Roach, Jomel Warrican

Smith's axing would mean that the Windies would return to the opening duo of Kieran Powell and Kraigg Brathwaite. Ambris, who usually bats in the lower middle-order, will look to continue his good form from the 'A' series where he scored a hundred against the Indian outfit. However on the international scene, he experienced an unceremonious start, getting dismissed hit wicket before retiring hurt in his second and last encounter.

Windies also brought back young fast bowler Alzarri Joseph, who last played in England last year, while Jomel Warrican arrives to reinforce the spin department, one that has heavily relied on Devendra Bishoo.

Courtney Browne, chairman of selectors, congratulated the team on their recent success in the Test series against Bangladesh. "The panel congratulates Jason Holder and his team on the excellent performance against Bangladesh. As the team embarks on a tough tour of India the successes against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh should hold them in good stead during the India series," Browne said.

"The panel welcomes back Sunil Ambris who missed the last couple of series due to injury, along with Jomel Warrican who adds a second spin bowling option to the attack."

Windies will travel to India on the back of a comprehensive 2-0 series win against Bangladesh. The last time these two teams met, India won the four-match series 2-0. Prior to that, on their last tour of India in what was Sachin Tendulkar's retirement series, the Windies were thrashed twice in as many games.

Windies' tour to India begins with two Tests, followed by five ODIs and three T20Is.

IN:Sunil Ambris, Alzarri Joseph, Jahmar Hamilton, Keemo Paul

OUT:Devon Smith, Miguel Cummins

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