Windies look to the lefties

The West Indies have handed Test debuts to Chris Gayle and Wavell Hinds for the opening Test with Zimbabwe today.

The left-handed duo will feature at the Queens Park Oval, Trinidad, under new captain Jimmy Adams, who has taken over from Brian Lara after the Windies disastrous tour of New Zealand.

The 20-year-old Gayle has been rewarded for being the leading scorer in this year's domestic first-class championship.

His 623 runs at an average of 56.63 was an integral part of Jamaica lifting the title, while 23-year-old Hinds, who has played 12 limited-overs internationals, has also forced his way into the number seven slot.

Wicketkeeper Tatenda Taibu, 17, may be handed a debut for the tourists as regular gloveman and captain, Andy Flower, has been complaining of dizzy spells following a blow to the head during a practice session.

Although Flower has been given the all-clear, Taibu has impressed coach David Houghton and may oust batsman Stuart Carlisle in the XI.