Lara recalled for Pakistan Tests

West Indies have recalled Brian Lara for the two-Test series against Pakistan, starting on Thursday in Barbados. Ian Bradshaw has been included in the 13-man squad for the first time, following his consistent efforts in the one-day internationals, while Devon Smith, Reon King and Corey Collymore also return.

Xavier Marshall, Dwayne Smith and Pedro Collins are the players omitted from the current one-day squad. Devon Smith's call comes after he was omitted from the Test side following the first Test against South Africa in Guyana, while Collymore has been a steadying influence on the West Indies attack during the one-day games.

Joey Carew, convenor of the West Indies selection panel, said: "This is a new Test series and the team has to begin concentrating on getting the winning habit, so we are looking forward to a successful series."

Carew expected a renewed approach from the team, and believed that Lara, who was rested for the ODI series against Pakistan, would add another element to the team. "He is rested and will return invigorated," Carew said. "As the senior player in the team and the leading personality in world cricket, he will also inject a deeper sense of professionalism."

Squad Shivnarine Chanderpaul (capt), Chris Gayle, Wavell Hinds, Devon Smith, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Brian Lara, Dwayne Bravo, Courtney Browne (wk), Ian Bradshaw, Daren Powell, Reon King, Corey Collymore, Fidel Edwards.