Gabriel, Walton back for Windies ODIs vs Pakistan

Georgetown (Guyana), April 3: The West Indies have included fast bowler Shannon Gabriel and wicketkeeper Chadwick Walton while leaving out Carlos and Kraigg Brathwaite for the first two One-day Internationals (ODI) of the three-match rubber against Pakistan, starting on Friday.

The series holds importance for the hosts' chances of an automatic 2019 International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup qualification. Pakistan are currently No. 8 in the ICC's ODI rankings, holding the final automatic qualification spot while the West Indies are at 9th, with five ranking points separating the sides. 

Failure to beat Pakistan would leave West Indies — who will be absent from this year's Champions Trophy — struggling to catch them ahead of September's cut-off and facing the prospect of having to come through the ICC qualifier, according to a espncricinfo report.

Meanwhile, Carlos Brathwaite, who captained the side during their 1-3 T20 defeat against the same opponents, is due to link up with his Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Delhi Daredevils later this week. 

Brathwaite's form in ODIs has not made him an automatic pick, however, and his absence could open the door for Jamaica all-rounder Rovman Powell.

West Indies ODI squad: Jason Holder (Captain), Devendra Bishoo, Jonathan Carter, Miguel Cummins, Shannon Gabriel, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Jason Mohammed, Ashley Nurse, Kieran Powell, Rovman Powell, Chadwick Walton