RAMNARESH Sarwan may be stripped of the West Indian vice-captaincy, according to a report in London's Sunday Times newspaper, for being seen partying in the stands after England had steamrolled to a ten-wicket victory in the first Test in Jamaica.
Sarwan, who completed a pair as West Indies were bowled out for 47 on the fourth morning, was regarded as an unusually mature 22-year-old when he was named as Brian Lara's deputy last year. But there are concerns that he has lost his focus recently. A confidential report into the Jamaica debacle has been compiled by Ricky Skerritt, the West Indian manager, and is understood to have recommended firm action against both Sarwan and Chris Gayle, who was also involved in the incident.
Two other players, Adam Sanford and Tino Best, are expected to escape censure - Sanford was quick to express his regret for the incident, while Best was reportedly sent to the stands to warn his colleagues that they were overstepping the mark.
The Caribbean press has been vitriolic in its criticism of the team's discipline, which was equally lax during their heavy defeats in South Africa over the Christmas and New Year period. "The West Indian players would have made excellent limbo dancers," reported Trinidad's Daily Express. "There's just no limit to how low they can go." (Wisden Cricinfo)