ST GEORGE’S, Grenada (CMC) — Two rising stars in regional cricket, fast bowler Shannon Gabriel and allrounder Christopher Barnwell, have been called up to represent world champions West Indies in the upcoming two-match T20 International Series against Zimbabwe.

Gabriel, the Trinidad and Tobago pacer, is receiving a first-time call-up for the T20 format, while Guyanese player Barnwell is being recalled

for the matches Saturday and Sunday at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground in Antigua.

Gabriel, who played for West Indies against England last year, was forced to return to the Caribbean prematurely after suffering back spasms, while Barnwell emerged from the Caribbean T20 tournament last month as the leading scorer with 245 runs and

six wickets.

The two have been named in a 13-man squad released yesterday to be skippered by Darren Sammy, who was at the helm when the West Indies won the ICC World T20 title in Sri Lanka last year.

Opening batsman Chris Gayle has asked to miss the T20 Series and has been granted permission, a release from the West Indies Cricket Board said.

The West Indies team will assemble in Antigua today and will have training sessions at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground tomorrow and Friday morning.