High-profile IPL Stars from KKR, Lucknow Super Giants, and Rajasthan Royals have decided to skip the upcoming ODI and T20I series.
The West Indies cricket team has unveiled their squads for the upcoming T20I and ODI series against Sri Lanka, set to kick off on October 13. However, the team will be missing several key players, including Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Akeal Hosein, and Shimron Hetmyer, who have opted out of the tour. In their absence, the West Indies have called up a few uncapped players, offering them a chance to prove their mettle on the international stage.
Terrance Hinds and Shamar Springer, both impressive performers in the 2024 Caribbean Premier League (CPL), have earned their spots in the T20I squad. Hinds, a right-arm fast bowler, has taken eight wickets in eight CPL games with a bowling average of 30.43. Springer, another right-arm pacer, has been more successful, bagging 12 wickets in nine matches at an average of 18. Their inclusion adds fresh energy to the team, which is looking to test its depth in the absence of senior players.
Speaking on the squad selections, West Indies head coach Darren Sammy acknowledged the absence of key players due to their need for rest and rehabilitation but expressed confidence in the younger talents.
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Sammy remarked, “The tour of Sri Lanka gives us a chance to test our depth and assess players in different situations, especially with several senior players missing out for various reasons, including a need for rest and rehabilitation from injury. We are confident in the squad’s ability to compete strongly against Sri Lanka.”
The T20I squad will be led by Rovman Powell, with Roston Chase serving as his deputy. Other experienced players such as Fabian Allen, Alzarri Joseph, and Evin Lewis have also been included, ensuring a balance of youth and experience.
In the ODI squad, Shai Hope will captain the side, with Joseph as the vice-captain. The most notable inclusion is 17-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Jewel Andrew, who earns his maiden West Indies call-up. Andrew has only played three List A games but has made a strong impression, averaging 55 with 165 runs.
Sammy highlighted the importance of nurturing young talent, saying, “This tour offers a valuable opportunity to evaluate strategies and give opportunities to emerging talent. We are excited to see young players like Jewel Andrew, who has earned his place as an exciting prospect for the future.”
The series will feature three T20Is on October 13, 15, and 17 in Dambulla, followed by three ODIs in Kandy on October 20, 23, and 26.
West Indies T20I Squad: Rovman Powell (c), Roston Chase (vc), Fabian Allen, Alick Athanaze, Andre Fletcher, Terrance Hinds, Alzarri Joseph, Shai Hope, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Shamar Springer.
West Indies ODI squad: Shai Hope (c), Alzarri Joseph (vc), Jewel Andrew, Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Hayden Walsh Jr.
