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Opening batsmen Daren Ganga and Lendl Simmons, fast bowler Darren Powell, wicket-keeper Denesh Ramdin and spinners Dave Mohammed and Omari Banks have joined the West Indies cricket squad for the three-Test series against Pakistan in Lahore, Multan and Karachi.

Five players, who took part in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy in India, left the squad.

Wavell Hinds, Dwayne Smith and Ian Bradshaw returned home while Carlton Baugh Jr and Marlon Samuels flew to participate in the Hong Kong Sixes Tournament.

“It is obviously going to be a tough tour for us because of our recent history in Test matches abroad but I’m sure once we rally around each other and support one another, we are going to produce a good show in Pakistan,” Daren Ganga said.

“Also, it’s going to be the first time for myself and a lot of other guys in Pakistan.

“I am looking forward to the team carrying winning momentum from the International Cricket Council Champions Trophy into Pakistan series,” said Ganga, a veteran of 38 Tests and 33 One-day Internationals (ODIs).

“Personally I am looking to get myself match fit as a result of lack of cricket in the Caribbean,” he added.

On the West Indies fine showing in the ICC Champions Trophy where they lost the final to Australia, he said overall performance of the team was inspirational.

“It’s been very inspirational, not just myself looking from the Caribbean but I think everyone is very proud of guys and achievement of making finals for two tournaments in a row. This confidence is going to do us well in our build-up towards 2007 World Cup,” he explained.

Ganga, Trinidad & Tobago captain, was pleased for Lendl Simmons who received his first call up to senior West Indies team for Pakistan tour.

“He has justified the faith that T&T placed in him from a tender age and it’s a great opportunity for him to take his game to another level. I’m sure he’ll find it a learning experience,” he hoped. After the three-Test series, Windies will face Pakistan in five-match ODI series.

Source:The News