Cricket: W Indies' spin-off

Conditioned by circumstances, the West Indies selectors have departed from established policy and included a specialist leg-spinner, Rajindra Dahnraj, in their party to tour India from 5 October to 14 December, writes Tony Cozier from Barbados.

Dahnraj has been a potential Test bowler since his teens, but the quality, quantity and success of West Indian fast bowling has delayed his selection until now. He continues the tradition of spin bowlers of East Indian descent from Trinidad and Tobago, started by the incomparable Sonny Ramadhin.

He owes his chance to dwindling fast bowling stocks - exacerbated by the disciplinary suspension imposed on Winston Benjamin and the chronic back injury to Ian Bishop - to his 30 wickets in five Red Stripe Cup matches last season, and the known character of Indian pitches.

His inclusion reduces the usual quota of touring fast bowlers from six to five and sends an encouraging message to emerging spinners.

WEST INDIES SQUAD (for tour of India): C A Walsh (capt), B C Lara (vice-capt), J C Adams, C E L Ambrose, K L T Arthurton, K C G Benjamin, S L Campbell, S Chanderpaul, C E Cuffy, A C Cummins, R Dahnraj, R I C Holder, C L Hooper, J R Murray (wkt), P V Simmons, S C Williams. Manager: D A J Holford. Coach: R B Kanhai.