In a bold move signaling a new era for West Indies cricket, the selection committee has announced the squads for the upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka, scheduled to commence on Sunday, October 13. In a significant development, several renowned players, including Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Akeal Hosein, and Shimron Hetmyer, have opted to sit out the tour citing personal reasons. This decision has paved the way for a fresh crop of young talents to take the stage, leaving cricket fans excited and curious about the team’s future prospects.
Rovman Powell, an eminent figure in the West Indies cricket circuit, will captain the T20 International side, with the experienced batting all-rounder Roston Chase appointed as his vice-captain. Intriguingly, the T20I squad will also feature Shamar Springer, a player who shot to fame as part of the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup-winning team in 2016. Springer’s inclusion highlights the selectors’ intent to blend fresh talent with experienced players to create a formidable unit.
Daren Sammy, a celebrated former cricketer for the West Indies and current head coach, has been instrumental in crafting these squads. He has assumed a critical dual role in team selection following recent changes in the selection system. Sammy articulates his perception of this series with enthusiasm, stating, “The tour of Sri Lanka provides an essential platform to test our squad’s depth and evaluate players in different scenarios, particularly as numerous senior players are absent due to various reasons, including the necessity for rest and injury rehabilitation. We maintain confidence in our squad’s ability to deliver a compelling challenge against Sri Lanka.
.”
In tandem with the T20I preparations, Shai Hope has been entrusted with the captaincy for the One Day International (ODI) series, where he will steer a 15-member squad. He will have the reliable Alzarri Joseph as his vice-captain to aid in on-field leadership decisions. The announcement heralds the return of prolific players Brandon King and Sherfane Rutherford to the national fold. Meanwhile, Jewel Andrew, a promising young wicketkeeper-batter from Antigua, will experience his debut in the ODI scene, marking a momentous opportunity for the emerging cricketer.
Expressing optimism about the pool of talent available, Sammy remarked on the ODI team’s designation, “As we endeavor to fortify our ODI setup, this tour affords us a valuable chance to trial strategic approaches and grant exposure to budding talents. We are eager to witness young players like Jewel Andrew step into the breach; his inclusion represents an exciting prospect for the future.”
Below is the composition of the squads, illuminating the blend of new and seasoned players set to participate:
T20I Squad for Sri Lanka Tour:
– Rovman Powell (Captain)
– Roston Chase (Vice-Captain)
– 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
ODI Squad for Sri Lanka Tour:
– 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.
As the West Indies embarks on this highly anticipated series, expectations are high for robust performances from the burgeoning talent within the ranks. The absence of senior players presents both a challenge and an opportunity for these emerging stars to make their mark on the international stage. With the selection committee and coaching staff rallying behind the squad, fans across the region are poised to see how these promising individuals will rise to the occasion against a seasoned Sri Lankan team.
