West Indies squad for the 2018 ICC World Cup qualifiers announced
The selection committee of Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced 15 man squad for ICC World Cup qualifiers which is scheduled to commence on 4th March in Zimbabwe. The team has been placed in Group A alongside Ireland, Netherlands, Papua New Guinea and the 2018's ICC World Cricket League Division 2 winners (to be determined).
Jason Holder will be leading the Windies squad throughout the qualifying tournament. The 15 man squad consists of experienced as well as fresh young talents. The underrated right arm pacer Kersick Williams; who displayed an excellent performance in 2017 will be working closely with the experienced Kemar Roach for the event whereas the ferocious Carlos Braithwaite returns back to the ODI squad after an interval of 10 months. Big names like Chris Gayle & Marlon Samuels are also included in the side and will act as a backbone for Windies during the qualifying event in Zimbabwe.
The magical leg-spinner Davendra Bishoo is also the part of the team and will be handing the slow bowling attack. However, few big names like Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, Darren Bravo and Andre Russell have been dropped off from the qualifier squad due to Pakistan Cricket League.
Here is the list of 15 man Windies Squad for World Cup qualifiers: Jason Holder (captain), Jason Mohammed (vice-captain), Devendra Bishoo, Carlos Brathwaite, Sheldon Cotterell, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Evin Lewis, Nikita Miller, Ashley Nurse, Rovman Powell, Kemar Roach, Marlon Samuels, Kesrick Williams.
Speaking of the squad selection, Chairman Courtney Browne said that the squad has been picked selectively in order to ensure Windies position in ICC World Cup 2019.
“We are pleased to announce a squad that has a combination of experience and youth. Given the importance of the West Indies qualifying for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, we thought it was important that we chose players who brought not only skills but an experience to the table, combined with younger players who had performed creditably on the international scene," he said.
"We contacted some of our well-known senior cricketers to ascertain their availability for the tournament and we are pleased that Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels have indicated their full support and commitment to the cause. Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, Darren Bravo and Andre Russell, however, indicated that they were unavailable to help us qualify as their priority was playing in the Pakistan Super League," he added.
The ICC World Cup Qualifiers will conclude on 25th of March.