Injuries to Baugh, Barath a set-back for West Indies: Gibson

NEW DELHI - The West Indies suffered a jolt Friday ahead of their opening World Cup match against South Africa here with wicket-keeper Carlton Baugh and opening batsman Adrian Barath ruled out of the tournament with hamstring injuries.

West Indies coach Ottis Gibson admitted it was bit of a “setback”, but was quick to repose faith on the two replacements, Kirk Edawrds and Devon Thomas, who are waiting clearance from the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Edwards is a right-handed batsman from Barbados while Devon is a young wicket-keeper batsman from Antigua. The 21-year-old Devon had also represented West Indies in the under-19 World Cup in 2008.

“The first 15 chosen is your best 15, so it is bit of a setback for us. The two guys are out with hamstring injuries and we have asked for the replacements. Edwards and Thomas are talented players and they have done well in domestic competition. It is a good opportunity for them to take up the challenge,” Gibson said after the team’s first work-out at the Air Force Ground here.

Asked who would be the wicket-keeper in Wednesday’s match against South Africa if the replacements do not arrive in time, Gibson said Darren Bravo would do the job.

“He did a fantastic job as wicket-keeper in the second warm-up match against Sri Lanka,” said Gibson