Gabriel, Walton back for Windies ODIs vs Pakistan

Georgetown (Guyana) April 3 (IANS) The West Indies have included fast bowler Shannon Gabriel and wicketkeeper Chadwick Walton while leaving out Carlos and Kraigg Brathwaite for the first two One-day Internationals (ODI) of the three-match rubber against Pakistan starting on Friday.

The series holds importance for the hosts chances of an automatic 2019 International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup qualification. Pakistan are currently No. 8 in the ICC s ODI rankings holding the final automatic qualification spot while the West Indies are at 9th with five ranking points separating the sides.

Failure to beat Pakistan would leave West Indies -- who will be absent from this year s Champions Trophy -- struggling to catch them ahead of September s cut-off and facing the prospect of having to come through the ICC qualifier according to a espncricinfo report.

Meanwhile Carlos Brathwaite who captained the side during their 1-3 T20 defeat against the same opponents is due to link up with his Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Delhi Daredevils later this week.

Brathwaite s form in ODIs has not made him an automatic pick however and his absence could open the door for Jamaica all-rounder Rovman Powell.

West Indies ODI squad: Jason Holder (Captain) Devendra Bishoo Jonathan Carter Miguel Cummins Shannon Gabriel Shai Hope Alzarri Joseph Evin Lewis Jason Mohammed Ashley Nurse Kieran Powell Rovman Powell Chadwick Walton

--IANS
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