In a much-anticipated announcement, the West Indies cricket team has unveiled its 15-player squad for the first three home T20Is against England, and the spotlight is on the return of powerhouse all-rounder Andre Russell. Russell’s comeback marks a significant moment for West Indies cricket, as he makes his return after a two-year absence from the T20I format.
The last time fans witnessed Andre Russell don the West Indies colors was in 2021 at the T20 World Cup in the UAE and Oman. Known as a maestro in short-format cricket, Andre Russell boasts an impressive record, amassing close to 8000 runs across various T20 competitions at a striking rate of 167. His contributions are not limited to batting, as he has also claimed over 400 wickets with the ball.
Joining Andre Russell in the revamped squad is Matthew Forde, who caught the selectors’ eyes with his standout performances in the recent ODI series against England and consistent success in domestic T20 seasons. Sherfane Rutherford and spinner Gudakesh Motie complete the trio of new faces, with Motie returning after recovering from an injury that sidelined him during the India Series.
The squad reshuffle means that players like Johnson Charles, Obed McCoy, Odean Smith, and Oshane Thomas, who played pivotal roles in the victorious series against India, miss out this time around.
Other than Andre Russell, what are changes?
Adding to the intrigue, Shai Hope has been named vice-captain of the T20I team, supporting captain Rovman Powell. This dual responsibility for Hope, who already captains the West Indies ODI team, showcases the team’s confidence in his leadership abilities.
Desmond Haynes, the lead selector, highlighted the strategic approach in forming the squad, emphasizing the importance of this series as a crucial preparation step for the upcoming T20 World Cup, which West Indies will co-host with the USA.
“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.”
With an eye on the T20 World Cup, adjustments to the squad may be made ahead of the fourth and fifth T20Is scheduled in Trinidad on December 19 and 21.
As the West Indies gear up to face England, the cricketing world awaits the return of Andre Russell, hoping for fireworks on the field and a successful campaign leading up to the T20 World Cup. The series kicks off on December 12 at the Kensington Oval in Barbados, promising thrilling cricketing action for fans worldwide.
West Indies Squad:
- Rovman Powell (Captain)
- Shai Hope (Vice-Captain)
- 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
West Indies v England T20I Series Schedule:
- 1st T20I: December 12, Kensington Oval, Barbados
- 2nd T20I: December 14, National Stadium, Grenada
- 3rd T20I: December 16, National Stadium, Grenada
- 4th T20I: December 19, Brian Lara Academy, Trinidad
- 5th T20I: December 21, Brian Lara Academy, Trinidad
