World Cup 2019: Omission of Kieron Pollard from 15-man squad is surprising, opines Carl Hooper

Former West Indies captain Carl Hooper has raised major concerns which might be crucial for the Calypsos in their upcoming campaign in the World Cup, that starts on May 30. The 52-year-old veteran all-rounder roots for the experience of players to be key in the showpiece event. Hence, one of his concerns is the omission of Kieron Pollard in West Indies’ 15-man brigade.

The 32-year-old right-handed batsman has featured in 101 ODIs for the West Indies team but played his last One-Day International game in October 2016. But he remained a regular in T20Is for the Caribbean team. However, Dwayne Bravo, an ex-captain, last featured in an ODI in 2014 and was overlooked ahead of the 2015 World Cup. He last played an international game for West Indies way back in 2016 and is even “officially retired”.

Both of these aforementioned players have been named in West Indies’ reserve list of ten players who will be summoned in case of injury to any member of the 15-man squad that’s going to fly to England. Here’s the complete list of reserved players: Sunil Ambris, Dwayne Bravo, John Campbell, Jonathan Carter, Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich, Keemo Paul, Khary Pierre, Raymon Reifer, Kieron Pollard.

Pollard being in the unit would’ve been a plus, says Hooper

Pollard has recently won the Indian Premier League 2019 champions title with the Mumbai Indians and is in good touch even though he lacks recent ODI experience. His omission has surprised Carl Hooper, who was associated with the Windies cricket team for about 16 years and featured in four World Cups as well.

According to the Sportstar, Hooper was quoted saying, “The surprise element is the omission of someone like Kieron Pollard (though he has now been named as a standby). He has played a lot of white-ball cricket for the West Indies and has featured in 400-plus T20 (Twenty20) games and I don’t know how many 50-over games! His omission can be looked as surprising. I don’t think he has played a World Cup before. He had a good run in the IPL. He is the one who could have been included (in the final side). Him being in the side would have been a plus. But looks like the selectors had different thoughts.”

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