Several key players missing for West Indies tour of Sri Lanka

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC):

UNDERSTRENGTH WEST Indies T20I and One-Day International (ODI) squads, on Friday, were announced by Cricket West Indies (CWI) for their tour of Sri Lanka later this month.

Notably absent from the T20I squad, which will play three matches from October 10 to 17, are the in-form Nicholas Pooran, big-hitting Andre Russell, left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein, and Shimron Hetmyer, who have all opted out of the tour for personal reasons.

All-rounder Jason Holder has also been omitted along with fellow Barbadian Kyle Mayers, while in a surprising move, 36-year-old opening batsman Andre Fletcher has been included in the squad.

Rovman Powell, expectedly, has been named captain, with Roston Chase his deputy, and Barbadian all-rounder Shamar Springer and Trinidadian pacer Terrance Hinds have received maiden call-ups to the senior side.

The 26-year-old Springer was part of the victorious West Indies Under-19 team that won the 2016 World Cup and has also represented the West Indies B team.

He has also turned out for the Barbados Tridents and Jamaica Tallawahs and played for the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons in this year’s Caribbean Premier League.

In 19 First Class matches, he averages 29.33 with the bat and has scored five half-centuries.

He has also taken 51 wickets at an average of 25.94 and an economy rate of 3.46.

Meanwhile, the relatively unknown Hinds, who had a stint with the Surrey Jaguars, played for the Trinbago Knight Riders in this year’s CPL.

He has taken 29 wickets in 19 First Class matches at an average of 37.79 and an economy rate of 3.42.

West Indies head coach Daren Sammy said the absence of several senior players presented an opportunity for some of the emerging talent to show their worth.

Sammy, who now leads the selection under the revamped selection system, noted the importance of this series in evaluating players for key roles and understanding the conditions ahead of future ICC tournaments.

“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,” Sammy said.

Shai Hope will captain the ODI team, which will play three matches from October 20 to 27.

Antiguan Jewel Andrew has been rewarded with his first senior selection, and Hayden Walsh Jr, Brandon King and Sherfane Rutherford have all been recalled.

Sammy said he viewed the tour as a valuable one as the West Indies continues to rebuild its ODI team following its failure to qualify for the 2023 ODI World Cup.

“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,” Sammy said.

SQUADS

T20

WEST INDIES: 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.

ODI

WEST INDIES: 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.

MANAGEMENT: Daren Sammy (head coach), Rawl Lewis (manager), Rayon Griffith (assistant coach), Floyd Reifer (assistant coach), James Franklin (assistant coach), Neil Barry (physiotherapist), Ronald Rogers (strength and conditioning coach, Fitz Alleyne (masseuse), Avenesh Seetaram (team analyst), Jerome Foster (media and content officer).