The Cricket West Indies (CWI), on December 31 (Friday), announced their squad for the upcoming home series against Ireland and England. West Indies are schedule to play three ODIs against Ireland from January 8 to January 14, which will be a part of the ICC ODI Super League, followed by a one-off T20I on January 16.
All the games are slated to be played at Sabina Park in Jamaica.
Pollard to lead
All-rounder Kieron Pollard is fit and will lead the West Indies team in the limited-overs series against Ireland and England next month. Though, the squads have been severely hit by Covid-19 cases after three players- Evin Lewis, Fabian Allen and Anderson Phillip were tested positive for Covid-19.
Pollard was previously, ruled out of West Indies' tour of Pakistan in December because of a hamstring injury. Nicholas Pooran had lead the squad in the T20I side in Pollard’s absence.
Shai Hope was expected to be the man in charge in the ODIs but the ODI series was ultimately called off due to rising Covid-19 infections among the teams.
“We have tried to maintain the general make-up of the squads from the Pakistan Tour before Christmas, with the captain and some senior players coming back in. COVID-19 has also played a part in the final make-up of the squad. The challenges in the next couple of months are getting the young players in both squads to not only improve on their skills but maintain the attitude and desire we saw in Pakistan,” Head Coach Phil Simmons was quoted by Cricket West Indies website.
“We do need to start the year on a high. And we know both Ireland and England have very good teams, so we expect a very strong challenge as we look to improve our chances of automatic qualification for the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2023 and building the T20 team for the ICC T20 World Cup in 2022,” Simmons added.
West Indies squad for Ireland ODIs
Kieron Pollard (captain), Shai Hope (vice-captain), Shamarh Brooks, Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales, Nicholas Pooran, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Devon Thomas
Covid-19 Reserves
Keacy Carty, Sheldon Cottrell
West Indies squad for Ireland and England T20Is
Kieron Pollard (captain), Nicholas Pooran (vice-captain), Fabian Allen (England T20Is only), Darren Bravo (England T20Is only), Roston Chase, Sheldon Cottrell, Dominic Drakes, Shai Hope, Akel Hosein, Jason Holder, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Rovman Powell, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Hayden Walsh Jr.
Covid-19 Reserves
Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph, Devon Thomas
