West Indies cricket captain Darren Sammy was surprisingly left out of the side for Thursday’s match against the England Lions, the tourists’ final hitout before next week’s first Test at Lord’s.

Sammy has not batted or bowled on tour due to the rain which reduced the Windies’ opening three-day tour match to just 34 overs at Hove, but has no injury.

But a team spokesman said the allrounder would not be playing in the four-day fixture at Northampton, with the West Indies to be led by vice-captain Kirk Edwards.

The West Indies are at full strength following the arrival of allrounder Narsingh Deonarine, one of three squad members who encountered travel problems that delayed their journey to England.

Fast bowler Fidel Edwards was fit after his back “niggle”.