Cricket West Indies (CWI) on Tuesday announced the men’s squads for the upcoming three-match T20I series and three-match One Day International series against Bangladesh.
While Nicholas Pooran will lead in both the formats, Rovman Powell was named as their new vice-captain for the T20Is. Left-arm pacer Obed McCoy has returned to the team after recovering from injuries.
Veteran wicket-keeper batsman Devon Thomas and all-rounder Keemo Paul have also been included in the squad. Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Moti has received a call-up in the ODI series squad.
After selecting the teams for West Indies, chief selector Desmond Haynes said, “We know Rovman’s history. He has captained West Indies in the past and is also the captain of his CPL franchise. Our role is to guide future leaders as well. And we have identified some of them, which we will put through programs to make sure that we keep them engaged with that aspect of cricket.”
“Thomas is a very versatile cricketer, knocking on doors across all formats. He is doing well in franchise cricket and with that level of talent, we must make sure that we keep his interest. He brings a lot to the table and is basically a four-pronged player, he can bat, he can bowl, he is brilliant on the field, and he can keep wickets as well.
“McCoy has done exceptionally well in the IPL and has enjoyed a successful stint in England as well, so we are confident he is back at his best in terms of play and fitness,” Haynes said.
“Generally speaking, we need to start looking at the bigger picture of getting these players to play together as often as possible in preparation for the ICC T20. World Cup later in the year. We need to make sure that we are fielding a very strong team for that tournament.”
The T20I series opens with back-to-back matches on July 2 and 3 at Windsor Park in Dominica. It will see a return to international cricket at a completely refurbished venue that is hosting international cricket for the first time since it was damaged by a storm in 2017.
The series will end with the third and final match at the Guyana National Stadium on 7 July.
The ODI series will be played on July 10, 13 and 16 at the Guyana National Stadium.
Squad:
T20 Internationals: Nicholas Pooran (c), Rovman Powell (vc), Shamar Brooks, Akeel Hossein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Meyers, Obed McCoy, Keemo Paul, Romario Shepherd, Odeon Smith, Devon Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr. Reserve: Dominic Drakes
One Day Internationals: Nicholas Pooran (Captain), Shai Hope (Vice-Captain), Shamar Brooks, Keesey Carty, Akil Hossein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Meyers, Goodkesh Moti, Keemo Paul, Anderson Phillip, Rovman Powell, Jaden Seal .
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