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The Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced a slew of changes in its player rosters today as the West Indies teams were named for a white ball tour of Sri Lanka this month.
Among the notable absentees from the West Indies T20 International (T20I) squad were the in-form trio of batsmen Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer and Johnson Charles, along with spinner Akeal Hosein and pacer Obed McCoy.
CWI Media noted that several regional cricketers did not make themselves available to travel to Sri Lanka.
“Several senior players, including Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Akeal Hosein and Shimron Hetmyer, have opted out of the tour for personal reasons,” stated the CWI Media, “opening the door for newer faces and returning players.”
Their absences allowed for the return of Saint Kitts and Nevis Patriots batsmen Andre Fletcher (36) and Evin Lewis (32) along with maiden opportunities for Antigua and Barbuda Falcons pacer Shamar Springer (26) and Trinbago Knight Riders bowler Terrance Hinds (32).
The team is led by Rovman Powell with Roston Chase as vice-captain.
Photo: Johnny Baptiste/ Wired868
“The tour of Sri Lanka gives us a chance to test our depth and assess players in different situations,” said West Indies coach Daren Sammy, “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.”
Shai Hope and Alzarri Joseph lead the West Indies One-Day International (ODI) team as captain and vice-captain respectively which benefitted from returns by batsmen Brandon King and Sherfane Rutherford.
There was also a maiden call-up for 17-year-old Antigua and Barbuda Falcons batsman Jewel Andrew, who impressed in the 2024 Republic Bank CPL competition.
Photo: Johnny Jno-Baptiste/ Wired868
“As we continue to build our ODI team, this tour offers a valuable opportunity to evaluate strategies and give opportunities to emerging talent,” said Sammy. “We are excited to see young players like Jewel Andrew, who has earned his place as an exciting prospect for the future.”
West Indies will play their first of three T20Is on 13 October at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla, while their three-match ODI series bowls off on 20 October at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Balagolla.
West Indies T20I squad: Rovman Powell (captain), Roston Chase (vice-captain), Fabian Allen, Alick Athanaze, Andre Fletcher, Terrance Hinds, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Shamar Springer.
West Indies ODI squad: Shai Hope (captain), Alzarri Joseph (vice-captain), 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.
Photo: CWI Media
Technical staff: Daren Sammy (head coach), Rawl Lewis (manager), Rayon Griffith (assistant coach—fielding), Floyd Reifer (assistant coach—batting), James Franklin (assistant coach—bowling), Neil Barry (physiotherapist), Ronald Rogers (strength and conditioning coach), Fitz Alleyne (masseuse), Avenesh Seetaram (analyst), and Jerome Foster (media and content officer).
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The selectors are giving Kyle Mayers a hard time just as they did to Darren Bravo. Come on Darren Sammy you pick 2 West Indies teams and Kyle cannot get pick.
RIDICULOUS.