Sports Minister Anil Roberts has again appealed to the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) for the inclusion of mystery spinner Sunil Narine in the West Indies team for the Second Test against New Zealand which starts on Monday.
The West Indies suffered a massive loss by 186 runs in the First Test which ended in four days in Jamaica on Wednesday.
Pointing to an exclusive report in the Trinidad Guardian which suggested that the Board was reconsidering its decision not to play Narine in any of the Test matches, and was negotiating for him to return for the Third Test which will be played in Barbados, Roberts said he was pleased at the development.
In a letter to WICB president Dave Cameron on Wednesday, Roberts said he was pleased to learn of unconfirmed reports that the WICB was in discussions with Narine's management team which may lead him to playing against New Zealand in the third Test.
"This indeed is encouraging news and I commend you and your Board for the maturity shown in acceding to these negotiations," Roberts' letter said.
"If at all possible, considerations should be made for Narine's inclusion in the team for the second and the third Test matches."
Roberts said he was looking forward to the player joining the team as it will augur well for the player, team and fans.
Contacted yesterday, Roberts said the fact that the second test was being played in Trinidad was a good reason for the Board to reconsider its decision.
He said: "The reality is that we lost the first Test. If they are negotiating with Sunil's management, I don't see why they are focusing on the third Test only.
"Narine's presence in the team in Trinidad will not only make a difference to the marketing of the game since Trinis will want to see him in action, but it can also go a long way in how the team performs in the next two matches.
"It makes no sense saying let's play him in the third in Barbados and not play him in the second where he will be at home in Trinidad."
Narine has been at the centre of attention after the Board exercised its right to omit him from the Test team after he opted to represent his team in the IPL final rather than attend a preparation camp for the Test matches.
Narine's team Kolkata Knight Riders won the tournament with Narine playing a key role in the final.
The decision to omit Narine triggered a series of letters from the Minister, who maintains that his interest is West Indies cricket, and having the best possible players on the field.
"We need to have our best players represent us, that's the bottom line, and no one can tell me for certain that Narine's omission makes sense."
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