Gayle Dropped; Baugh, Smith, Bernard in

The West Indies selectors dropped a bombshell late Saturday evening, leaving out opener Chris Gayle from the 14-man side for the opening Test against Australia, presumably because of issues related to the eligibility rule.

Just moments after saying Gayle could be in breach of the eligibility rules, the selectors announced the squad without his name, a team that includes three newcomers in Devon Smith, Carlton Baugh Jr., and David Bernard Jr.

The decision to drop Gayle is sure to set off a legal squabble since Gayle is currently in St Lucia representing the West Indies in the Double-Wicket World Cup, which has been sanctioned by the WICB and the ICC.

The board's stance is that Gayle never received formal permission from the JCA but because it was the WICB's decision to delay the Carib Beer finals and forcing a clash with the Double-Wicket tournament, there is sure to be a public outcry over the decision to drop Gayle.

Gayle's misfortune is great news for Grenadian opener Devon Smith, who will likely open the batting with Wavell Hinds, who has been retained. Trinidadian captain Daren Ganga was also named in the side and could be used as Gayle's replacement in the Test match, scheduled to begin on April 10 in Guyana.

Vice captain Ramnaresh Sarwan, who is injured, was not picked. Ex-captain Carl Hooper has made himself available and was picked.

1st Test 14-man squad: