Barath back for 5th ODI but Gayle ignored again

Fit-again opener Adrian Barath made his way in but the explosive Chris Gayle was once again left out of the 13-member West Indies squad for the fifth and final one-dayer against India in Jamaica on Thursday.

Barath replaced Kirk Edwards in the squad which beat India by 103 runs in the fourth one-dayer. The Indians have already sealed the series after winning the first three matches. Besides Barath, Ravi Rampaul also returned to the squad after a brief rest to replace Danza Hyatt. 

The 21-year-old Barath was undergoing rehabilitation after suffering a hamstring injury which forced him out of the 2011 World Cup. 

"Danza Hyatt and Kirk Edwards have been replaced in the squad by Ravi Rampaul and Adrian Barath," the WICB said in a statement. 

Meanwhile, the WICB offered no word on Gayle's fate but the meeting with WICB officials, West Indies team management and the coaching staff could pave way for his selection in the Test series against India starting at Sabina Park on June 20.

The 31-year-old left-hander was left out of the ODI squad after he raised quite a few issues during the interview, including WICB's callous attitude towards his recovery from injury, the coaching style of Ottis Gibson and appointment of Darren Sammy as captain. 

The WICB subsequently released a number of documents on their website which contradicted Gayle's claims, following it up with a decision to bar the batsman from representing the regional team until he cleared up the issue with the Board.

West Indies Players' Association (WIPA) president Dinanath Ramnarine said he looked forward to the meeting. 

West Indies squad for 5th ODI: Darren Sammy (capt), Carlton Baugh (wk), Devendra Bishoo, Darren Bravo, Adrian Barath, Ravi Rampaul, Anthony Martin, Kieron Pollard, Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Lendl Simmons.