West Indies name ODI and T20I squads for Sri Lanka tour; Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Shimron Hetmyer to skip series
West Indies cricket have announced the squads for the away T20I and ODI series against Sri Lanka beginning on October 13. With the likes of Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Akeal Hosein and Shimron Hetmyer opting out of the tour, a handful of uncapped players have been included.
Terrance Hinds and Shamar Springer have been named in the T20I squad due to their showings in CPL 2024. Hinds, a right-arm pacer, has taken eight wickets in as many games at a modest 30.43. Springer, who is also a right-arm pacer, has claimed 12 scalps in nine matches at 18.
Head coach Darren Sammy revealed that several senior players have missed out due to them wanting rest and the need for rehabiliation from their injuries. As quoted by the official website, he said:
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.”
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.
Jewel Andrew earns his maiden West Indies call-up, named in ODI squad
Keeper-batter Jewel Andrew is the notable inclusion in the ODI squad. The 17-year-old has been picked after having played only three List A games in which he averages 55 alongside 165 runs. Addressing his inclusion, Sammy claimed:
"As we continue to build our ODI team, 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."
Sri Lanka and West Indies will play three T20Is on October 13, 15, and 17 in Dambulla. Kandy will host the three 50-over games on October 20, 23, and 26.