Key players missing for West Indies T20 & ODI Tour of Sri Lanka

The West Indies T20I and One-Day International (ODI) squads were recently announced by Cricket West Indies (CWI) for their tour of Sri Lanka later this month.

The squads will play three matches from Oct. 10 to 17. Notably absent from the T20I squad are the in-form wicket-keeper/batsman Nicholas Pooran, big-hitting Andre Russell, spinner Akeal Hosein, and Shimron Hetmyer, who have all opted out of the tour for personal reasons.

All-rounder Jason Holder and fellow Barbadian Kyle Mayers have also been omitted, while 36-year-old opening batsman Andre Fletcher has been included in the squad.

Rovman Powell has been named as captain, with Roston Chase as vice-captain. At the same time, Barbadian all-rounder Shamar Springer and Trinidadian pacer Terrance Hinds have received call-ups to the senior side.

West Indies head coach Darren Sammy said the absence of several senior players presented an opportunity for some emerging talent to show their worth.

Sammy, who now leads the selection, noted the importance of this series in evaluating players for critical roles and understanding the conditions ahead of future ICC tournaments.

“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.

Shai Hope will captain the ODI team, playing three matches between Oct. 20 and 27.

Antiguan Jewel Andrew has been selected, while Hayden Walsh Jr, Brandon King, and Sherfane Rutherford have all been recalled.

Sammy viewed the tour as valuable as the West Indies continued to rebuild its ODI team after failing to qualify for the 2023 ODI World Cup.

“As we continue to build our ODI team, this tour offers a valuable opportunity to evaluate strategies and give opportunities to emerging talent.

We are excited to see young players like Jewel Andrew, who has earned his place as an exciting prospect for the future,” Sammy said.

SQUADS

T20 WEST INDIES: 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.

ODI WEST INDIES: 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.