Experienced all-rounders Andre Russell and Jason Holder have been included in the West Indies squad for their tour of England.
Nicholas Pooran, however, won’t feature. He opted out of the West Indies central contract nearly 18 months ago and is under no obligation to play for the national team. After a taxing IPL campaign, the explosive batter has asked for a break. “He will not play for West Indies on the England tour.”
Interestingly, despite also being out of central contracts, both Andre Russell and Jason Holder are part of the squad. While Russell was busy with the IPL, Holder featured in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Players without central contracts generally choose their international appearances carefully. Russell last played a T20I in November against England. He was ruled out of the series after the first match due to an ankle injury.
This will be the West Indies’ first series under new captain Shai Hope, who replaces Rovman Powell. Under Powell, the team suffered a 3-0 whitewash in their last T20I series against Bangladesh. Hope, busy with the Big Bash League at the time, missed that series.
Despite losing the captaincy, “Powell has retained his place in the squad.” However, Justin Greaves, Shamar Springer, and Terrance Hinds have been dropped.
Power-hitter Sherfane Rutherford, who played 13 matches for Gujarat Titans in the IPL, returns to the squad.
After the England series, West Indies will face Ireland. There will be two changes to the squad for that series: Brandon King and Roston Chase will return home, while in-form Kjorn Ottley will join the squad along with Jyd Goolie, who receives his maiden call-up.
The three-match T20I series against England begins Friday. The Ireland series follows, starting on June 12.
Then, on June 25, the Caribbean side begins a home Test series against Australia. After the England T20Is, head coach Darren Sammy, assistant coach Floyd Reifer, and bowling coach Ravi Rampaul will return home to prepare for the Tests. Reon Griffith will coach the team during the Ireland series.
- West Indies squad vs England: Shai Hope (capt), Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd.
- West Indies squad vs Ireland: Shai Hope (capt), Kjorn Ottley, Johnson Charles, Matthew Forde, Jyd Goolie, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd.
