Prominent West Indies stars to miss T20Is against South Africa
West Indies have announced their squad for the upcoming three-T20I series against South Africa at home, starting on August 23. Veteran all-rounder Andre Russell will not participate as the 36-year-old has requested a period of rest and recovery following his recent participation in the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup and The Hundred for London Spirit. Alzarri Joseph and Jason Holder have also been rested.
Holder and Joseph also on rest
Holder, another significant all-rounder for the West Indies, will also be unavailable. Both Russell and Holder will be closely monitored by the CWI science and medicine team during their recovery period. Pacer Alzarri Joseph, who served as vice-captain during the T20 World Cup but missed the Tests against South Africa due to injury, will continue his break from cricket.
King's absence and potential replacements
Seasoned opener Brandon King will also be absent from the upcoming series due to a side strain he sustained during the T20 WC. In his absence, Shai Hope could potentially open the batting with Johnson Charles. Rookie Alick Athanaze is another potential candidate for this role. Shimron Hetmyer, who did not play in any of the 2024 T20 WC games, has retained his place.
Sammy's confidence in the squad
Daren Sammy, West Indies' white-ball coach, expressed his confidence in the selected squad for the upcoming series against South Africa. He stated that this series presents an excellent opportunity for the team to reset and refocus their game plan. Despite WI's recent struggles across all formats, Sammy remains optimistic about the team's performance in this crucial series.
New additions and returns to the squad
Matthew Forde, an all-rounder who has shown promise under Sammy's guidance at St Lucia Kings in the Caribbean Premier League, has been included in the squad . Fabian Allen, the spin-bowling all-rounder who missed out on selection for the T20 World Cup, has returned to bolster a spin attack that includes Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie and Roston Chase.
West Indies squad for SA T20Is
Squad: Rovman Powell (C), Roston Chase (VC), Alick Athanaze, Fabian Allen, Johnson Charles, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Obed McCoy, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas Pooran, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd. Meanwhile, the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad will host all the three games.
