Pakistan Test drop was a shock, says Sarwan

Ramnaresh Sarwan has called the experience of being dropped from Test squad in Pakistan last November one of the most shocking incidents of his life and hit out against the team management of the day, calling it a political decision.

"I was in the dressing-room on the morning of the Test preparing to go out for batting practice when Brian [Lara] approached me and said I was not playing," Sarwan told the Jamaica Gleaner. "I was very shocked but I said nothing and went out to do some batting drills. I don't think my omission was justified. I was very angry because there was no specific reason given for the decision to drop me.

"It made me understand that sport is also about politics and that people would do what's necessary to accomplish their own goals, whatever that might be. It was a very humiliating experience, but I think it has made me stronger as a person."

Lara had insisted at that time that the move wasn't "designed as a drop," and Sarwan had a key role to play in West Indies cricket. "He will come back from this and come back stronger. It wasn't designed as a drop," Lara said on November 24. "We just wanted to make him aware of the situation and come back stronger. We need him and we need him to take control."

Sarwan went on to replace Lara as the captain of the West Indies team. However, he injured his right shoulder while attempting to stop a boundary during the tour of England and had to return home. Chris Gayle replaced him and led West Indies to series win in the one-dayers against England.

The good news for West Indies is that Sarwan has recovered fully from the shoulder injury. " I am ready to go, I have started to do some shadow batting and the pain has subsided," Sarwan said. He spent last week in Toronto, receiving laser and acupuncture treatment and active release therapy from chiropractor and acupuncturist Dr Rudy Singh.

Looking back at the injury, Sarwan said he regretted the way he dived to make the stop. " I was in two minds as I was going after the ball. I wanted to dive earlier, but by the time I realised I was very close to the boundary, I lunged forward and fell awkwardly. Looking back, it was obviously not the right thing to do.

"I have been unfortunate with injuries recently, but hopefully I will remain healthy for a long period." Sarwan suffered a small hairline fracture in his right foot during a Test match in Pakistan last year and had to miss the five-match ODI series. He also missed this year's Carib Beer series after he had injured his hand while batting for Guyana.