Windies vs India: Cricket West Indies announces 14-man squad for the first two T20Is

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced the 14-man squad for the first two T20 Internationals of the three-match series against India. The two matches will be played in Florida, USA on August 3 and August 4 before both the teams will travel to the Caribbean shores for the third game and ODI and Test series. Sunil Narine and Kieron Pollard are the two big names to make a comeback to the side.

Narine last played a T20I in 2016 against England and represented the Windies in any of the formats last in October 2016 in an ODI against Pakistan. Pollard, on the other hand, was the part of the T20 side which travelled India last year but was sidelined again with the selectors focussing solely on the World Cup. The comeback of the two T20 specialists makes it clear that West Indies are concentrating on the T20 World Cup now.

Speaking on their comeback, the interim chairman of the selection Panel Robert Haynes said, “We felt that players like Narine and Pollard, who have played well in T20 leagues around the World, once they are fit and mentally ready to play, we must give them the opportunity to represent the West Indies again.”

Meanwhile, Andre Russell has also been named in the squad but he will have to undergo fitness test to play in any of the two games in Florida. Chris Gayle made himself unavailable for the T20I series and will instead feature in the Global T20 Canada which is set to commence on July 25.

Anthony Bramble receives a maiden call-up

Anthony Bramble, the wicketkeeper-batsman, has received his maiden call-up to the team. He led the West Indies B side to the final of the Global T20 Canada last year and has scored 70 runs in 12 T20 games so far. Carlos Brathwaite will be leading the side which also includes the likes of Oshane Thomas, Sheldon Cottrell and Khary Pierre.

Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer have become regulars in the limited-overs sides and they will look to carry the team’s batting. “This squad is an excellent balance of experience and youth. It’s not just about the present but we are also looking at the T20 World Cup coming up next year and it is important that we find the right combination of players and the right formula for defending our title,” Haynes further said according to Cricbuzz.

Windies squad for the first two T20Is: John Campbell, Evin Lewis, Shimron Hetmyer, Nicolas Pooran, Kieron Pollard, Rovman Powell, Carlos Brathwaite (c), Keemo Paul, Sunil Narine, Sheldon Cottrell, Oshane Thomas, Anthony Bramble, Andre Russell, KharyPierre.