KINGSTON: The Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa, starting from May 23.
The three-match series will serve as the final preparation for both teams before the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, which is scheduled to be held in the West Indies and the United States of America from June 1.
Top-order batter Brandon King will lead the Caribbean squad against South Africa as their regular captain Rovman Powell will not feature in the series owing to commitments with the IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals.
Along with Powell, key players Andre Russell, Shimron Hetmyer, Alzarri Joseph and Sherfane Rutherford will also miss the series due to the ongoing IPL. However, Joseph and Rutherford will join the West Indies squad if their teams fail to reach the IPL final.
Meanwhile, Nicholas Pooran and Shai Hope have been given rest ahead of the mega-event, as their IPL teams have been knocked out.
“These are among the last competitive T20 international matches before the start of the World Cup,” lead selector Desmond Haynes said.
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“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.”
“We have not played together as a team since the Australia series, but we just completed a very high-intensity training camp in Antigua,” head coach Daren Sammy said.
“Now we have the chance to integrate some of our players returning from the IPL and build some momentum as a group going into the World Cup.”
West Indies squad for South Africa T20Is
Brandon King (c), Roston Chase, Fabian Allen, Alick Athanaze, Johnson Charles, Andre Fletcher, Matthew Forde, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Obed McCoy, Gudakesh Motie, Romario Shepherd, Hayden Walsh Jr.
Series schedule:
First T20I, Jamaica, May 23
Second T20I, Jamaica, May 25
Third T20I, Jamaica, May 26
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