Two squads are en route to Sri Lanka for the West Indies men’s cricket team’s tour of that country, where they will face the hosts in three T20 Internationals and three One-Day Internationals from 10 to 17 October 2024.
Both teams, currently in a rebuilding phase, will use this series as preparation for upcoming ICC tournaments.
One of the major talking points from the West Indies camp, following the official team announcement, was the notable absence of several key senior players.
In-form wicketkeeper-batsman Nicholas Pooran, all-rounder Andre Russell, left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein, and batsman Shimron Hetmyer have all opted out of the tour, citing personal reasons. Veteran Saint Lucian Johnson Charles, also in stellar form, was not selected. It is reported that he is being given time off for health reasons.
In their place, a mix of veteran and younger players have been named. Opening batsman Evin Lewis returns to the T20I squad for the first time since 2022. 2019 Under-19 World Cup-winning all-rounder Shamar Springer has earned a spot in the T20I squad and could make his senior team debut. Aged just 17, exciting batting prospect Jewel Andrew is among those selected for the ODI team.
West Indies white ball head coach, Daren Sammy, highlighted that the unique circumstances provide opportunities for younger players to make a name for themselves.
“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,” Sammy said.
The full ODI and T20I squads are as follows:
West Indies T20I Squad:
– 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
West Indies ODI Squad:
– 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.
The Men in Maroon will play their first fixture at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Sunday.
