St.John's (Antigua), Jul 25 (IANS/CMC): West Indies captain Darren Sammy has down played the idea that another frontline spinner could have been included in the 13-man squad chosen to play New Zealand in the opening Test starting here Wednesday.
Sammy was responding to suggestions that the West Indian selectors could have considered two frontline spinners for the game - and that Dominican off-spinner Shane Shillingford was unfortunate to have missed out on selection, reports CMC.
"I guess the selectors met and came up with the 13 that they think will go out there and win the game for us," Sammy told reporters at a news conference.
"Last year, the combination we have used in cricket, our bowlers have done well for us and I guess they have stuck with that so whichever eleven they put out, they have to go out and do the job for the Caribbean people."
One of exciting prospects will be the appearance of spinner Sunil Narine, who will play his first Test in the Caribbean.
Narine ended the one-day series with 13 wickets at a superb average of 11.23, which included an impressive five-wicket haul that restricted New Zealand in the final one-day match.
"Especially the type of wickets we play on in the Caribbean, spin plays an important role," said Sammy.
"We have a world class spinner in Narine who proved that through the one-day and T20 competitions that he is a handful in the Caribbean. I back him to go out there and do well for us."
Sammy said he is confident the team, with the return of the likes of Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Kemar Roach, will do well against New Zealand.
However, the squad has been highlighted by the return of opener Chris Gayle, who is set to make a return to Test match after 18 months of controversy.
Sammy told the media briefing that Gayle's position at the top will be key for the team.
"We have struggled with the new ball last year, so his experience he can pass it on to the younger players," Sammy explained.
"I know he is looking forward to be back in white clothes as well. Not only Chris but the entire team is looking forward to the Test series".
The West Indies won the five-match one-day series by a 4-1 margin after sweeping the T20 doubleheader in Florida, US.