The West Indies Cricket Board has revealed their squad for the upcoming home T20I series against South Africa, in preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
West Indies and South Africa are gearing up for a series that will serve as a key part of their preparation for the T20 World Cup, which the Windies are co-hosting with the USA. This marks a historic first for both co-hosting the event and for the United States hosting any ICC event.
Desmond Haynes, the head of the West Indies Men’s selection committee, has assembled a solid 15-man squad for the series against South Africa. Although the team lacks some of its senior players who will be featured in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, the squad looks promising.
With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season still ongoing, several key players are absent, leading to a somewhat depleted West Indies squad for the three-match T20I series against South Africa. Brandon King has been appointed as the captain, as the team aims to ramp up its World Cup preparations.
The selectors have chosen to rest IPL participants like Nicholas Pooran and Shai Hope after their exhausting campaigns. Additionally, regulars such as Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Shimron Hetmyer, Alzarri Joseph, and Sherfane Rutherford are unavailable due to their commitments with IPL playoff teams. This situation provides an opportunity for other players to showcase their talents once again.
“These are among the last competitive T20 international matches before the start of the World Cup. Players have the opportunity to fine-tune their skills and ensure they are as prepared as they can be for the World Cup, whether they are in the final squad or reserve pool,” Lead selector Desmond Hynes was quoted as by ESPNcricinfo.
The West Indies cricket team will be missing several key players for their upcoming 3-match series, as captain Rovman Powell, Shimron Hetmyer, Andre Russell, and Alzarri Joseph are all committed to their respective teams in the IPL 2024 playoffs. Additionally, right-hand batter Shai Hope and left-hand batter Nicholas Pooran, who play for Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants respectively, have been rested until May 27th.
With these six senior players unavailable, top-order batsman Brandon King will step in as the captain for the series, with all-rounder Roston Chase serving as the vice-captain.
The squad also sees the inclusion of batter Fabian Allen, batting all-rounder Alick Athanaze, and wicket-keeper Johnson Charles. Notably, Andre Fletcher and Matthew Forde, who were not part of the T20 World Cup squad, have been selected this time around.
The T20I series between West Indies and South Africa is set to kick off on May 23rd at Sabina Park in Jamaica. The subsequent matches are scheduled for May 25th and 26th, with all games being held at the same venue.
West Indies T20 squad vs South Africa:
Brandon King (c), Roston Chase (vc), Fabian Allen, Alick Athanaze, Johnson Charles, Andre Fletcher, Matthew Forde, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Obed McCoy, Gudakesh Motie, Romario Shepherd and Hayden Walsh Jr.
