West Indies have named a formidable squad for the first two T20Is of their five-match series against England, with several star players returning to the team. All-rounder Andre Russell, wicketkeeper-batter Nicholas Pooran, spinner Akeal Hosein, and hard-hitting batter Shimron Hetmyer are all set to make their comebacks after missing the recent tour to Sri Lanka due to personal reasons.
Russell, a key figure in the West Indies' T20 World Cup campaign earlier this year, will bring his experience and power hitting back to the side. Pooran, who has been a reliable performer in limited-overs cricket, also returns after sitting out the Sri Lanka series. Similarly, Hosein, a prominent left-arm spinner, and Hetmyer, who made his return to the One-Day International side against England, will add depth to the squad in both the batting and bowling departments.
Hetmyer has only played one T20I this year, during the South Africa series in August, and will look to make an impact with the bat. Russell has not played for West Indies since the T20 World Cup earlier this year, but his all-round abilities make him a crucial asset. Pooran and Hosein were last seen in the home series against South Africa in August, and their inclusion strengthens West Indies' middle-order and spin options.
In the absence of pacer Alzarri Joseph, who is suspended for the first two T20Is, young pacer Matthew Forde has been called up to join the squad. Forde will be part of a pace attack that also includes Shamar Joseph, Terrance Hinds, and Russell. The rest of the squad includes top-order batters Shai Hope, Brandon King, and Evin Lewis, who will lead the charge with the bat.
The series will kick off with back-to-back T20I matches in Barbados on November 9 and 10. After that, the teams will move to Saint Lucia for the final three games of the series, which are scheduled for November 14, 16, and 17. This series presents a crucial opportunity for the West Indies to prove their mettle in the shortest format of the game, and with the return of some key players, the team will be looking to make a strong statement against England.
Here is the full West Indies squad for the T20I series against England:
- Rovman Powell (Captain)
- Roston Chase
- Matthew Forde
- Shimron Hetmyer
- Terrance Hinds
- Shai Hope
- Akeal Hosein
- Shamar Joseph
- Brandon King
- Evin Lewis
- Gudakesh Motie
- Nicholas Pooran
- Andre Russell
- Sherfane Rutherford
- Romario Shepherd
With a blend of experience and young talent, West Indies are hoping to start their T20I campaign on a strong note and challenge England in what promises to be an exciting series.
