Injury to key pacers Shamar Joseph and Matthew Forde forced West Indies into adding two more uncapped players to their ODI squad ahead of the upcoming three-match series against Bangladesh. Uncapped quicks Marquino Mindley and Jediah Blades have been drafted into the 15-member West Indies squad after Matthew Forde and Shamar Joseph, who have been battling injury, were withdrawn from the playing group for the series that commences in St Kitts & Nevis on December 8.
Matthew Forde and Shamar Joseph were the key members of West Indies bowling attack, but injury concerns have sidelined them for the upcoming ODI series. Matthew Forde is continuing his rehabilitation after sustaining a thigh injury, while Shamar Joseph is struggling with shin splints following the completion of the recent Test series. The medical team has mentioned that Matthew Forde needs more time for recovery, while Shamar Joseph will be monitored closely before future assignments.
All matches of the ODI series are to be played at Warner Park in St Kitts
With these two fast bowlers unavailable, West Indies selectors have turned to the young talents of Mindley and Blades. Both players have impressed in recent domestic cricket tournaments. Mindley’s call-up is a result of his stellar performance in the 2024 CG United Super 50 tournament. The right-arm fast bowler picked the most wickets among fast bowlers in the tournament.
On the other hand, Blades, who is part of the West Indies Academy, has also earned his first call-up after a remarkable run in the same tournament. Blades claimed 14 wickets in the Super 50 Cup. With Mindley and Blades joining the West Indies squad, the team will now focus on their preparations for the ODI series against Bangladesh.
Two More Uncapped Players Added to West Indies 15 men ODI Squad After Injury to Key Pace Duo Matthew Forde and Shamar Joseph
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced a 15-man squad for the upcoming ODI series against Bangladesh. The selectors have triggered a couple of changes from the squad that defeated England 2-1 at home as they target another series victory.
Justin Greaves and uncapped keeper-batter Amir Jangoo have been called up, with Jewel Andrew and Hayden Walsh Jr. losing their spots in the squad. The three matches will be played at Warner Park, Basseterre, St Kitts & Nevis, from December 8 to 12.
Nevertheless, Andrew will join the group of emerging regional batters in India to attend a camp in Chennai to improve their approach against spin. Greaves, meanwhile, enjoyed a splendid run in the CG United Super50 competition, registering three consecutive hundreds and followed it up with a Test century against Bangladesh in the opening game of the series.
Jangoo also had a sensational run in the tournament, topping the run-scoring charts with 446 runs in seven innings, averaging 89.20. In 49 List A matches, the 27-year-old averages 30.36 with 1,397 runs. The West Indies ODI squad will continued to be led by Shai Hope with Brandon Kings serving as his deputy, while Alzarri Joseph also in back for the ODIs after previously serving his two-match ban during the T20I series against England. Apart from the two changes, the rest of the squad remains the same with Shimron Hetmyer retaining his spot.
“Greaves is capable of batting anywhere in the top 6” – West Indies head coach Darren Sammy
West Indies head coach Darren Sammy has spoken about building a pool of players, keeping in mind the next 50-over World Cup. Sammy addressed the recent selection calls, as quoted by the official website:
“We continue to build towards the main target of the ICC Men’s 50-over World Cup where we are looking to broaden the pool of players even with the short-term objectives of winning series, especially at home and building momentum on the recent win against England.
Greaves is capable of batting anywhere in the top six and brings that genuine all-round ability to the squad, which is welcomed at this stage, while Jangoo’s prowess in the CG United Super50 shows his flexibility to bring another dimension to our batting unit.”
West Indies are currently leading the two-Test series against Bangladesh. The second Test is currently underway at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica. With Mindley and Blades joining the West Indies squad, the team will now focus on their preparations for the ODI series against Bangladesh.
The series will consist of three matches, with the first match scheduled for December 8, followed by games on December 10 and December 12, and is set to be played at Warner Park, in St Kitts. The West Indies will be looking to bounce back after levelling the two-match Test series against the same opposition.
West Indies squad: Shai Hope (c), Brandon King (vc), Jediah Blades, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, Shimron Hetmyer, Amir Jangoo (wk.), Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Marquino Mindley, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd.