West Indies announces squads for Sri Lanka tour
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has unveiled its squads for the upcoming T20 International (T20I) and One Day International (ODI) series against Sri Lanka, set to take place from October 10 to 27, 2024.
The announcement comes as the West Indies team looks to build on recent successes and evaluate new talent.
The T20I squad, led by Captain Rovman Powell, will face Sri Lanka in three matches from October 13 to 17. The team’s recent 3-0 series victory against South Africa has propelled them to fourth place in the world rankings, establishing them as formidable contenders on the global stage.
However, the absence of several senior players, including Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Akeal Hosein, and Shimron Hetmyer, who have opted out for personal reasons, has opened doors for new faces and returning players.
Head Coach Daren Sammy, now leading the selection process under CWI’s revamped system, emphasized the importance of this series.
He stated, “The tour of Sri Lanka gives us a chance to test our depth and assess players in different situations, especially with several senior players missing out for various reasons, including a need for rest and rehabilitation from injury. We are confident in the squad’s ability to compete strongly against Sri Lanka.”
The full T20I squad is as follows:
- Rovman Powell (Captain)
- Roston Chase (Vice Captain)
- Fabian Allen
- Alick Athanaze
- Andre Fletcher
- Terrance Hinds
- Shai Hope
- Alzarri Joseph
- Shamar Joseph
- Brandon King
- Evin Lewis
- Gudakesh Motie
- Sherfane Rutherford
- Romario Shepherd
- Shamar Springer
The ODI squad, captained by Shai Hope with Alzarri Joseph as Vice-Captain, will compete in three matches from October 20 to 26. This series is crucial for CWI’s strategy to build a strong ODI team ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027.
A notable inclusion in the ODI squad is Jewel Andrew, a young wicketkeeper-batsman from Antigua who has impressed selectors. The squad also welcomes back key players like Brandon King and Sherfane Rutherford.
Commenting on the ODI squad, Coach Sammy said, “As we continue to build our ODI team, this tour offers a valuable opportunity to evaluate strategies and give opportunities to emerging talent. We are excited to see young players like Jewel Andrew, who has earned his place as an exciting prospect for the future.”
The full ODI squad consists of:
- Shai Hope (Captain)
- Alzarri Joseph (Vice-Captain)
- Jewel Andrew
- Alick Athanaze
- Keacy Carty
- Roston Chase
- Matthew Forde
- Shamar Joseph
- Brandon King
- Evin Lewis
- Gudakesh Motie
- Sherfane Rutherford
- Jayden Seales
- Romario Shepherd
- Hayden Walsh Jr.
Both series will be played in Sri Lanka, with the T20Is taking place at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium and the ODIs at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Caribbean fans can catch the action on Rush Sports, the Bluu App, and Sports Max App.
