Curtly Ambrose, rumoured to be on the verge of retirement, has been named in West Indies' squad of 13 for the first test against England at Sabina Park, Kingston, starting on January 29.

Fast bowler Ambrose described the stories about his retirement as "vicious rumours", adding that he had recovered from the hamstring injury that kept him out of the Champions Trophy limited overs tournament in Sharjah last month.

The 34-year-old Antiguan has taken 117 of his 307 wickets against England. He has been the spearhead of the West Indies attack since he came into the team in 1988.

Ambrose will again lead the bowling with his former captain, 35-year-old Courtney Walsh, Ian Bishop, Franklyn Rose, Mervyn Dillon and Nixon McLean.

Lara's indiscretions are 'behind him'

"We've got Courtney Walsh and Curtly Ambrose who are in the twilight of their careers," said West Indies captain Brian Lara, 28, in explaining the abundance of pace.

"We need a lot of young fast bowlers around to learn from them and to learn from our coach, Malcolm Marshall."

Lara has described McLean, who is expected to play before the end of the five-test series, as the most promising young fast bowler in the Caribbean.

Brian Lara: "Being captain of the West Indies is going to give me an interesting life"

Brian Lara, a controversial choice to replace Walsh, promised at a news conference that his indiscretions were finished.

"I promise the people of the Caribbean that, although I have had my indiscretions, I have thought long and hard about what I intend to do in the future and that those days are behind me," he said.

When West Indies toured England in 1995, Lara walked out on the team for four days after a dressing room row during the fourth test at Old Trafford, and had to be persuaded to rejoin the tour party.

No openers staking claim

The 13 include left-handed batsman Jimmy Adams, who was omitted from the team that Pakistan thrashed 3-0 last year.

Despite a recent poor run, Adams has a test average of 56 from 46 innings, with five centuries and nine half-centuries.

Opener Stuart Williams keeps his place despite an average of just 10 in Pakistan.

Chairman of selectors Wes Hall explained: "There are not many challengers as no opener has stepped up to make a claim.

"We are anxious but it is six of one thing and half a dozen of another and it was decided to stick with Williams at this stage."

Carl Hooper is vice-captain despite poor recent test form

Carl Hooper has been made vice-captain, and Hall said of the all-rounder's promotion: "Despite his paltry average, I don't see Hooper as a failure. He has done well in the last four or so series.

"He is a young man and we expect the vice-captaincy to boost his confidence and he will take off from this point."

Full West Indies squad:

B Lara (captain), S Campbell, S Williams, C Hooper, S Chanderpaul, J Adams, D Williams, I Bishop, C Ambrose, C Walsh, F Rose, M Dillon, N McLean.
 

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