BRIDGETOWN, Jan 24: Dale Richards, the 32-year-old Barbados opening batsman, was the only newcomer in a 14-man West Indies squad named on Friday for the opening Test against England next month in Jamaica.

Richards and the recalled Devon Smith were possible new partners for captain Chris Gayle at the top of the order.

Left-hander Sewnarine Chattergoon, who had a lean tour of New Zealand in December and January, was axed.

Richards, who has played first-class cricket since 2000, averages just under 40 from 34 matches at that level. The stylish right-hander scored a century against Trinidad and Tobago in the first match of the regional season two weeks ago. On Friday, he made 68 for Barbados against the Leeward Islands in St Maarten.

Left-hander Smith, another player who has started the first-class competition in good touch, has a modest record in 24 Tests since his debut in 2003. He scored 212 for the Windward Islands against Guyana in the season-opener.

Most of the players who secured a 0-0 draw in December’s two-Test series in New Zealand were retained by selectors Clyde Butts, Raphick Jumadeen, Robert Haynes, captain Gayle and coach John Dyson for the first of four Tests at Sabina Park in Kingston, starting on Feb 4.

Gayle heads the batting along with the heavy-scoring Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan, both veterans and former captains.

Australian-born Brendan Nash, who enjoyed a sound debut series in New Zealand, boosts the middle order while talented 22-year-old Xavier Marshall retains the selectors’ faith despite a disappointing tour.

Denesh Ramdin, who has been West Indies wicket-keeper for all 29 Tests since his debut in 2005, hangs on to the gloves.

The fast bowling remains in the hands of Fidel Edwards, Jerome Taylor and Daren Powell, with rookie Lionel Baker, who made his debut in New Zealand, completing the quartet.

Lanky left-armer Sulieman Benn was one of two specialist spinners in the squad with off-spinner Amit Jaggernauth, out in the wilderness since his sole Test against Australia at Sabina Park a year ago, earning a recall.

All-rounder Dwayne Bravo remains on the sidelines as he continues to rehabilitate from ankle surgery late last year. The 25-year-old was optimistic of a return for the third Test in Barbados in late February.

West Indies squad: Chris Gayle (captain), Dale Richards, Devon Smith, Xavier Marshall, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Brendan Nash, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Denesh Ramdin, Jerome Taylor, Sulieman Benn, Fidel Edwards, Daren Powell, Lionel Baker, Amit Jaggernauth.—AP