Cricket-West Indies welcome back Sarwan for Sri Lanka series

By Simon Evans

MIAMI, March 19 (Reuters) - West Indies return to home international action for the first time since last year's World Cup when they take on Sri Lanka in Guyana from Saturday in the first of a two-test series.

Since their poor showing at the one-day showpiece, West Indies have shown sparks of a revival only for disappointment to quickly follow.

Following last year's 3-0 test defeat by England, the Caribbean side claimed their first ever test win in South Africa - their first test win since May 2005 - but then lost the next two tests and all five matches in the one-day series.

Spinners Sulieman Benn and Amit Jaggernauth are included in the squad for the first time, while captain Chris Gayle has Barbados all-rounder Ryan Hinds back in the side for the first time in nearly three years.

The biggest boost though is the return from injury of Guyanese batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan, who will share the top-order pressure with Gayle and Shivnarine Chanderpaul.

"It is a pretty balanced team, it's a good all round team, the expectation is high and we're looking forward to it," said Gayle.

"Sri Lanka is a good team, they have been playing terrific cricket and it is up to us now to play some good cricket and back our talent," he added.