BRISBANE, Australia –  Fast bowler Jerome Taylor and batsman Ronnie Sarwan have been passed fit for the opening Test against Australia at the Gabba next week.
Sarwan had developed a mild infection, while Taylor struggled with a stiff body, forcing him to miss the four-day tour match against Queensland Bulls. There was speculation both key players could miss next Thursday’s opening Test.
However, the 29-year-old Sarwan was treated by a local doctor and given the all-clear, while Taylor has returned to the nets after a short rest.
Both players will be crucial to West Indies efforts in the upcoming three-Test series. The right-handed Sarwan is a key member of the Windies batting line-up, while the 25-year-old Taylor will spearhead the fast bowling attack.
Meanwhile, there still has been no word on whether captain Chris Gayle will make it back for the opening Test after flying home to Jamaica to attend to his ill mother. However, if Gayle does not return in time for the start of the series, his deputy Denesh Ramdin has no qualms about taking the mantle.
Gayle is in doubt for the first Test after hurriedly leaving here on Wednesday to return to Jamaica to attend to his ill mother.
“The way the players come to you and ask for advice, a lot of the senior players in the team look up to me as a player who knows a lot about the game,” said Ramdin, who is leading the Windies in the four-day first class match against Queensland.
“So far we’ve played under Chris, we’ve enjoyed the success so far. If given the opportunity, I would give 100 per cent, and I know the guys are behind me 100 per cent as well.
“For us to play together as a team, we have to work as a unit and at the end of the day achieve one goal, which is to win.”
Ramdin has never led the West Indies in a Test or One-Day International. The 24-year-old wicketkeeper/batsman was appointed vice-captain on the tour of New Zealand last December.
Despite Ramdin’s rather modest record, however – he averages 24 in 36 Tests – coach David Williams was quick to endorse his potential as a leader.
“Denesh is a guy who is always proactive, always looking for areas to try and get batters out, always looking to see what he can do different,” said Williams, a former West Indies wicketkeeper.
“He is very intelligent and he reads the game very, very well. We hope that in the next couple of years he will be the one to carry the ball for West Indies cricket.”
West Indies are searching for their first win against Australia in 15 years, following a poor run against the world champions in recent times.
They have not beaten the Aussies since the 1992/93 rubber but Ramdin said they would continue to press for a change of fortunes. (CMC/MK)