West Indies announce squad for first two T20Is against England; suspended Joseph's replacement named while big guns return

West Indies will look to avenge the defeat in the T20 World Cup 2024 when they face Jos Buttler's men in Barbados in the T20I series starting on November 10.

Sports Tak

• Sat • 09 Nov 2024

West Indies coach Daren Sammy sits for a team photo alongside Alzarri Joseph ahead of the 3rd ODI between the West Indies and England at Kensington Oval on November 06, 2024 in Bridgetown, Barbados.

Daren Sammy, Alzarri Joseph

Highlights:

Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Shimron Hetmyer and Akeal Hosein have returned to the T20I squad.

Jos Buttler will play his first match after recovering from calf injury.

West Indies on November 8 announced the 15-member squad for the first two T20Is of the five-T20I series against England at home. Big names Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Shimron Hetmyer and Akeal Hosein returned to the squad after missing the T20I series against Sri Lanka last month.

As senior players returned to the squad, Fabian Allen, Alick Athanaze, Andre Fletcher and Shamar Springer will miss a chance to face the English team at home. Spinner Matthew Forde has replaced Alzarri Joseph who receieved a two-match suspension for walking off the field in the third ODI after an argument with captain Shai Hope.

Meanwhile, Romario Shepherd has retained his place in the squad as well. Shepherd suffered cramps during the final ODI of the series and Sherfane Rutherford had to bowl his remaining quota of overs which turned out to be expensive.

"The T20 team is our most settled team with lots of experienced players," West Indies head coach Daren Sammy said. "However, the difficulty will be picking the XI, as every single player is challenging for a spot. As we face a very good England team, I am confident that the selected squad will continue to play a brand of cricket that allows us to win games, and this 'Rivalry' series."

The T20I series will commence on November 9 at Kensington Oval, Barbados. The second T20I on November 10 will be played at the same venue as well. Joseph is likely to return for the remaining three T20Is which will be played at Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, St Lucia.

ALSO READ: 'David Miller wasn't picking a thing at all': Mark Boucher blames middle overs struggle for big loss to T20 World Cup champions

West Indies have played 19 T20Is at home and won 10. Earlier this year, England beat West Indies by eight wickets in the T20 World Cup 2024 fixture.

ALSO READ: Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Australia announce coaching staff for clash against India after Perth Test, former captain appointed head coach

West Indies' T20I squad:

Rovman Powell (c), 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

England's T20I squad:

Jos Buttler (c), Jofra Archer, Jacob Bethell, Jafer Chohan, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Livingstone, Saqib Mahmood, Dan Mousley, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt (wk), Reece Topley, John Turner