West Indies have recalled bowling all-rounder Keemo Paul as the side announced their 15-member squad on Friday for the ICC ODI World Cup Qualifier, scheduled from June 18 to July 9 in Zimbabwe.
Paul, who last played an ODI level back in July last year, was named in the squad along with left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, who performed well in Zimbabwe during the West Indies Test tour earlier in the year.
“Paul is a three-dimensional player, who can bowl the new ball effectively, he’s dynamic in the outfield and he can also make vital runs.” said lead West Indies selector Desmond Haynes
“We see him as a potential match-winner for us.”
Finishing ninth on the Cricket World Cup League standings, West Indies were compelled to play the Qualifier to earn a spot in the main event, scheduled later this year in India,
South Africa, bagged the automatic place to the ODI World Cup this week after the first ODI between Bangladesh and Ireland was abandoned due to rain.
The West Indies also went through the Qualifier in 2018 to secure a spot in 2019 Cricket World Cup in England and finished top of the Super Six group to confirm their place.
As part of their preparation for the World Cup Qualifier, West Indies will play a three-match ODI series in Sharjah against hosts and tournament competitors UAE next month.
Shai Hope will captain the side in both assignments. Brandon King will be his deputy for the UAE series, while T20I captain Rovman Powell, who is currently busy playing IPL, will serve as vice-captain for the World Cup Qualifier.
Squad for World Cup Qualifier: Shai Hope (capt), Rovman Powell (vice-capt), Shamarh Brooks, Yannic Cariah, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Nicholas Pooran, Romario Shepherd
Squad for UAE series: Shai Hope (capt), Brandon King (vice-capt), Alick Athanaze, Shamarh Brooks, Yannic Cariah, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Dominic Drakes, Kavem Hodge, Akeem Jordan, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Raymon Reifer, Odean Smith, Devon Thomas
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