West Indies Keeper Carlton Baugh and opener Adrian Barath could return home from Sri Lanka and miss the World Cup which begins on Saturday due to leg injuries.
It is understood that their replacements, who will have to be approved by the ICC, should be known by today when the WICB makes an official decision on the matter.
Jamaican Baugh retired hurt due to an injured hamstring during the team’s second World Cup warm-up match on Tuesday against Sri Lanka and Darren Bravo had to do the wicketkeeping duties while Trinidadian Barath is struggling with a leg injury.
It is understood that no official replacements have been named. The WICB will have to submit their names and a request for a change of personnel to the ICC’s ‘tournament event’ committee for approval.”
“I can confirm that they both have injuries and are to undergo scans. These are expected to be done tomorrow and we await the results. A decision will be taken tomorrow (today) and we will make an announcement then,” a WICB source informed Kaieteur Sport last evening.
Pacer Tino Best, batsman Kirk Edwards and Wicket-Keeper Devon Thomas were named as the World Cup Reserves but it is understood that in the case of injury, the selectors could pick any player involved in Regional cricket.
Speculation is high that Marlon Samuels and Denish Ramdin, who have both showed good form in this year’s Regional Four-Day competition, could be considered.
Chairman of the WICB selectors Guyanese Clyde Butts could not be reached for a comment last evening. (Sean Devers)