Deonarine finally cleared for UK travel

Kingston (Jamaica): Batsman Narsingh Deonarine left for England late Wednesday to join the West Indies touring party after his protracted visa saga finally ended.

Deonarine, who along with fellow Guyanese left-hander Assad Fudadin was held up here in recent days awaiting a UK visa, is now expected to join the squad in Northampton Thursday, a team official has confirmed. Both players were held up here since last week awaiting travel documents and while Fudadin secured his and left for England Tuesday evening, Deonarine remained here still waiting on further clearance in order to travel. He will be the last of three missing players to join the squad after Jamaican all-rounder Marlon Samuels arrived from the Indian Premier League Tuesday. Captain Darren Sammy said Wednesday the late arrivals had not disrupted the squad in any way. "We were aware once we were leaving the Caribbean that Narsingh and (Fudadin) would be in Jamaica trying to sort it (visa issues) out and Marlon was in the IPL with Pune," Sammy told reporters in Northampton where West Indies were preparing for their four-day match against England Lions starting Thursday. "We have just moved on with things and the players who have been here have made full use of the indoor facilities and that is what we have been looking to do, just move forward and handle the distractions quite well." Deonarine, Fudadin and Samuels missed the three-day tour opener against Sussex last weekend, leaving the West Indies with just 11 players and no reserves for the game in Hove. Only 34 overs were possible after rain washed out Saturday`s opening day and restricted action over the next two days. Fast bowler Fidel Edwards sat out the game injured. Deonarine now faces the prospect of not playing a single warm-up game ahead of the first Test at Lord`s starting May 17. IANS/CMC