Senior All-rounder Andre Russell has made a comeback to West Indies’ T20I squad for the upcoming series against England, which is scheduled to start from December 12 in Barbados. Young Pacer 21-year-old Matthew Forde who performed well in the ODI series against England has earned a T20I call-up and is the only uncapped player in the 15-man squad as the West Indies look to solve their plans for the T20 World Cup in June at their home.
Andre Russell last played for the West Indies at the T20 World Cup 2021 and is currently in action in the Abu Dhabi T10 League UAE for the Deccan Gladiators. The fast-bowling All-rounder will join the squad later this week before the first T20I starting on Tuesday. The Allrounder has not been in great form in the recent years and has been struggling with injuries.
All-rounder Sherfane Rutherford is also making a comeback to the squad in the T20I format for the first time since 2020. Seniors Jason Holder and Nicholas Pooran are also making a return to the squad after making themselves unavailable from the ODI series. ODI captain Shai Hope has been named as the vice-captain. Johnson Charles, Obed McCoy, Odean Smith, and Oshane Thomas who have been in the squad in the recent times have been dropped.
West Indies T20I Squad for the first 2 T20Is: Rovman Powell (captain), Shai Hope (vc), Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd.
We have selected a squad that we think gives us the best chance of success in that tournament – West Indies Chief Selector after announcing the squad and naming Andre Russell
West Indies Chief selector Desmond Haynes has expressed confidence in the squad selected for the England series and he is hopeful that the team is good and will perform well. After announcing the squad he addressed the media. He stated,
“This will be the final home T20I series for the West Indies in 2023, as they prepare to be one of the two host teams for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA in June 2024. We have selected a squad that we think gives us the best chance of success in that tournament. We will continue to assess in the lead up to the competition,” said Desmond Haynes.
The squad for the remaining games will be announced in due time.
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