West Indies Cricket Team. (Photo Source: X(Twitter)
With several key players still playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, West Indies will field a somewhat depleted squad for their upcoming three-match T20I series against South Africa. Brandon King has been handed the captaincy duties as the Caribbean side looks to speed up their preparations for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup.
After their tiring campaigns, the West Indies selectors have opted to rest IPL participants like Nicholas Pooran and Shai Hope. Meanwhile, regulars Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Shimron Hetmyer, Alzarri Joseph, and Sherfane Rutherford remain unavailable due to playoff commitments with their respective franchises. This has opened the door for some players to prove their skills yet again.
Lead selector Desmond Haynes emphasized the importance of these matches, leading up to the marquee event. “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,” he said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
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We have the chance to integrate some of our players returning from the IPL: Daren Sammy
Head coach Daren Sammy shared similar thoughts. “We have not played together as a team since the Australia series, but we just completed a very high-intensity training camp in Antigua. Now we have the chance to integrate some of our players returning from the IPL and build momentum as a group going into the World Cup,” Sammy said.
The series could mark the T20I debut for young fast bowler Shamar Joseph, who has been named in the World Cup squad as well. Joseph had a brief taste of the IPL, featuring in just one match for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
Batting-wise, the experienced duo of Johnson Charles and Andre Fletcher will be expected to provide stability. All-rounders like Roston Chase, Jason Holder, and Romario Shepherd add depth to the lineup.
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West Indies full squad for the T20I series against South Africa:
Brandon King (capt), Roston Chase, Alick Athanaze, Johnson Charles, Andre Fletcher, Mathew Forde, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Obed McCoy, Gudakesh Motie, Romario Shepherd, Hayden Walsh
West Indies vs South Africa three-match T20I schedule:
West Indies v South Africa, 1st T20I, May 24th, 2024, Friday, Sabina Park, Jamaica
West Indies v South Africa, 2nd T20I May 26th, 2024, Sunday, Sabina Park, Jamaica
West Indies v South Africa, 3rd T20I, May 27th, 2024, Monday, Sabina Park, Jamaica