Port of Spain (West Indies), Sep 4 : As talks to resolve a two-month dispute between the West Indies Cricket Board and senior players ended without an agreement, an unknown batsman with a Test average of nine could possibly lead the team against Australia.

Floyd Reifer, who has a Test average of 9.25, may lead the West Indies this summer, as twelve senior players, including captain Chris Gayle and star batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul, went on strike in July on the eve of the home test series against Bangladesh after negotiations with the board broke down.

Following the strike, performance of the team has been so poor that they were beaten 2-0 in the Test series and 3-0 in the one-day series by Bangladesh.

The West Indies are set to play a three-Test series against Australia this summer, featuring matches in Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, plus a five-match one-day series.

“It was another bad day for West Indian cricket, which, without fundamental changes, is now likely to deteriorate further,” Ramphal said in a statement after meeting with players.

Meanwhile, a Cricket Australia spokesmen said that there was no immediate threat to the tour, but they were concerned about the situation and are monitoring it carefully.

“We are hopeful they will resolve their issues soon. The series against the West Indies is almost three months away and we have had no indications to suggest that we will not be playing Test, one-day and Twenty20 cricket this summer,” the spokesman said. (ANI)