BRIDGETOWN (CMC):

Versatile Marlon Samuels will replace another all-rounder, Dwayne Smith, in the West Indies team for the Hong Kong Sixes International Tournament at the Kowloon Cricket Club next weekend. Manager Zorol Barthley announced yesterday that the West Indies Cricket Board has decided to make the switch as a means of precaution.

Smith is not carrying a major injury, but rest has been recommended. Both players are members of the West Indies team playing in the Inter-national Cricket Council's Champions Trophy in India.

Neither has been selected for the three-Test series in Pakistan, which starts on November 11 in Lahore.

The Hong Kong Sixes will be played on November 11-12.

The West Indies finished second to India in Hong Kong last year and pocketed US$50,000.

The team will be led by batsman Sylvester Joseph and also includes wicketkeeper Carlton Baugh, all-rounder Esuan Crandon, Narsingh Deonarine, Tonito Willett and Darren Sammy.