St. George's (Grenada), Dec 3 (IANS/CMC): Grenada Prime Minister Keith Mitchell congratulated opening batsman Devon Smith on his return to the West Indies team for the tour of South Africa.

Smith, who last played Test cricket three years ago, was called up as a replacement for opener Chris Gayle, who has been forced out of the side due to injury, reports CMC.

The Grenadian batsman has been in superb form this season, amassing 334 runs at an average of 55, including a score of 145, to lead Windwards Islands to victory over Leeward Islands in the third round of the WICB Professional Cricket League over the weekend.

“Devon's talent is unquestionable and his development is evident as was most recently demonstrated in the Professional Cricket League. Therefore, he deserves to be included on the West Indies team,” said Mitchell.

“We are very happy for, and proud of him, as he continues to grow in the game. We look forward to the South Africa tour with increased excitement to see our boy in action."

Smith, 33, will fly out this week to join the West Indies squad which left the Caribbean Sunday for London en route Johannesburg. Smith will be joined by left-arm seamer Sheldon Cottrell, who leaves the region Friday for South Africa.

Mitchell has also conveyed best wishes and a speedy recovery to Gayle who has struggled with injury in recent years and missed the recent ill-fated one-day tour of India as a result.

West Indies open their tour with a three-day practice game in Benoni starting Dec 10 followed by the first Test Dec 17.