West Indies batsman Samuels out of Zimbabwe tri-nations

Seasoned right-hander Marlon Samuels is out of the Tri-Nations One-Day Series, also involving Sri Lanka, starting in Zimbabwe later this month.

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) announced on Thursday that the 35-year-old had been replaced in the 15-man squad by wicketkeeper-batsman Shane Dowrich for the November 16-27 one-day international (ODI) tournament involving Sri Lanka and hosts Zimbabwe, reports CMC.

The tri series begins on November 14 and continues till November 27.

No reason was given for the Jamaican's withdrawal, but it comes on the heels of the news on Wednesday that the player had rejected the WICB's offer of a central contract for the next year.

The move cast doubt over Samuels's international career, especially in light of his recent struggles in the series against Pakistan.

The elegant right-hander, however, has been a key member of their recent One-Day side.

Samuels is one of two players out of the series as 19-year-old fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has also been replaced by seamer Miguel Cummins.

The WICB also gave no reason for the change but Joseph reportedly opted to return to his native Antigua because of an illness in his family.

The squad: Jason Holder (captain), Sulieman Benn, Carlos Brathwaite, Kraigg Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Jonathan Carter, Johnson Charles, Miguel Cummins, Alzarri Joseph, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Shai Hope, Evin Lewis, Sunil Narine, Ashley Nurse, Rovman Powell.

--IANS

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