The West Indies suffered a major blow just hours before the third Test against Australia when Ridley Jacobs failed a fitness test.

The 35-year-old, who fought gallantly for the West Indies during the opening Test, missed the second Test because of a groin strain but was expected to play at the Kensington Oval in Barbados.

Jacobs trained with the squad on Tuesday and Wednesday and seemed to suffer no major discomfort.

With Jacobs out, 20-year-old wicketkeeper/batsman Carlton Baugh has been called up to make his second Test appearance.

The West Indies selectors have also made a bold decision in axing their most experienced Test bowler, Mervyn Dillon, from the starting line-up.

The 27-year-old, who has taken 117 Test wickets in 32 appearances at an average of 31.86, has not been impressive in the opening two matches of the series - taking just five wickets for 325 runs.

Two debutants have also been named in the Windies team.

Tino Best, 21, from Barbados, who was impressive in the recently concluded Carib Beer Regional Cricket competition - claiming 39 wickets at a meagre average of 18.25 - has been included in the final 11.

Best should complement the pace of Jermaine Lawson, who returns after missing the second Test because of chicken pox.

Also selected for his first Test appearance is Omari Ebanks.

The off-spinner was drafted into the squad after grabbing three for 65 against the Australians in their opening Tour game against the Carib Beer X1.

The 20-year-old will be the first ever player from the tiny island of Anguilla to play for the West Indies.

Christopher Gayle, who was recently recalled to the squad, will open with Devon Smith, who gets another chance to play despite a pair of ducks in the second Test.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who opted out of the last Test at the last minute because of what was said to be a knee injury, has recovered sufficiently to play.