West Indies seek to replace injured Baugh, Barath

ESPNcricinfo staff

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	Adrian Barath scored a century in the recent ODI series against Sri Lanka © AFP Enlarge

West Indies have suffered a double injury blow ahead of the World Cup, with opener Adrian Barath and wicketkeeper Carlton Baugh picking up hamstring injuries that have put them out of action for two to three weeks. Batsman Kirk Edwards and wicketkeeper Devon Thomas have been cleared by the ICC to replace the two players and will join the West Indies squad on Monday.

Baugh was forced to retire out on 29 during the warm-up match with Sri Lanka. Darren Bravo took his place behind the stumps during Sri Lanka's chase. Barath did not take any part in that game. Later, both underwent scans, and the West Indies media spokesperson had confirmed that the outlook was not good.

Meanwhile, there was some rare good news in the West Indies camp when Kieron Pollard, who sat out of both the warm-up games due to a side strain, was declared fit.

West Indies have the resources in their current squad to manage until replacements arrive - in addition to Darren Bravo who can keep, they have Devon Smith, an opener who can take Barath's place at the top of the order.

West Indies play their opening game against South Africa in Delhi on February 24. Their next three games are against Netherlands, Bangladesh and Ireland, before the potentially tougher group encounters with England and India, on March 17 and 20.