Afghanistan vs West Indies: Chris Gayle and Andre Russell miss out on WI ODI squad; Gabriel dropped from Tests

West Indies, on Tuesday, announced T20I, ODI and Test squads for their upcoming series against Afghanistan. Both the teams will lock horns in three T20Is, as many ODIs and a Test in Dehradun with the series starting next month. The Islanders have rewarded the players who impressed in the recently concluded Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

Brandon King and Hayden Walsh Jr., who were the highest run-scorer and wicket-taker in the competition respectively, earned their maiden call-ups. Both the players have made it to the T20I as well as ODI squads. Interestingly, Walsh had made his international debut for the USA earlier this year before his 22 wickets in the CPL made West Indies pick him up.

Walsh was born in US Virgin Islands to Antiguan parents and is a dual passport holder. He has also been part of West Indies’ domestic structure. Uncapped Romario Shepherd, who is a right-arm pacer and is a handy lower-order batsman has also found a place in the ODI squad. Meanwhile, veteran allrounder Kieron Pollard will lead the ODI and T20I teams.

Previous T20I captain Carlos Brathwaite is absent from all three squads while ex-ODI captain Jason Holder is a part of all the three teams. Holder will also lead the team in Tests. Pollard, nonetheless, has not played an ODI since 2016 and will have his task cut out after West Indies’ poor performance in the World Cup and the home series against India.

No Chris Gayle and Andre Russell in West Indies squads

West Indies have not included two of their biggest stars – Andre Russell and Chris Gayle in the white-ball squads. Gayle has been toying with his international career and it looks like West Indies have decided to finally move on. Darren Bravo and Shannon Gabriel have also failed to find a place in West Indies’ Test squad.

ODI squad:

Kieron Pollard (c), Shai Hope, Evin Lewis, Shimron Hetmyer, Sunil Ambris, Nicholas Pooran, Brandon King, Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Hayden Walsh Jr., Khary Pierre, Sheldon Cottrell, Keemo Paul, Alzarri Joseph, Romario Shepherd.

Test squad:

Jason Holder (c), Shai Hope, John Campbell, Kraigg Brathwaite, Shimron Hetmyer, Shamrah Brooks, Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich, Sunil Ambris, Jomel Warrican, Rahkeem Cornwall, Kemar Roach, Keemo Paul, Alzarri Joseph.

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