Sammy rested for Zimbabwe ODIs as Dwayne Bravo takes over

St. John’s (Antigua), Feb 18 (IANS): West Indies selectors have rested captain Darren Sammy for the upcoming One-Day International series against Zimbabwe, which bowls off in Grenada Friday.

The all-rounder, who leads West Indies in every format of the game, has been granted time off for the one-day series only and will be replaced at the helm by seasoned all- rounder Dwayne Bravo.

Sammy has played every game for the regional side for the last two years and is coming off a disappointing tour of Australia where West Indies suffered a 0-5 drubbing in the one-day series.

There will also be no Chris Gayle for the entire ODI series after the leading opener asked to be excused from selection.

Bravo will now lead a predictable 13-man squad announced Sunday for the first two of the three-match series.

The squad sees the return of Test wicket-keeper Denesh Ramdin and the axing of Devon Thomas who experienced an ordinary tour of Australia with the gloves and bat.

There still is no return for elegant right-hander Marlon Samuels who missed the Australia tour through injury.

All three ODIs will be played at the National Stadium in Grenada Feb 22-26.

Squad: Dwayne Bravo (captain), Tino Best, Darren Bravo, Johnson Charles, Narsingh Deonarine, Sunil Narine, Veerasammy Permaul, Kieron Pollard, Kieran Powell, Denesh Ramdin, Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Ramnaresh Sarwan.