West Indies coach Phil Simmons revealed during a press conference ahead of limited-overs series against Ireland that veteran Chris Gayle is not a part of the West Indies makeup anymore. Simmons said that he didn’t receive any update from Cricket West Indies (CWI) regarding his inclusion in the team. CWI chief executive Johnny Grave had earlier suggested that the board might host a farewell match for him.
The 42-year-old Gayle was expected to be given his international farewell in front of his home crowd at Sabina Park in Kingston. The self-proclaimed Universe Boss’ absence from the West Indies squad named for one-off T20I against Ireland came as a surprise.
“It’s something that I would like to see start in our cricket,” Simmons said. “But when we sit down to select a squad, we sit down to elect the best squad for the upcoming series. If it’s a case where a send-off is to happen for Chris, then for us to select him, if he’s not part of our make-up, it has to come from above us. I can’t really say if that’s going to happen later on in the year,” he further added.
Kieron Pollard who missed the last series against Pakistan has recovered from his injury and would be leading the side. Fabian Allen, Evin Lewis, and Anderson Phillip who tested positive for Covid-19 during the tour to Pakistan have been sidelined. Also, Andre Russell is not picked in the team despite him performing well in the T10 League and the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) 2021-22.
West Indies host Ireland in the three-match ODI series and a one-off T20I from January 8 to 17. The two-time World Champions then travel to Barbados to face England in five T20Is at Kensington Oval from January 22 to 30.
Disappointed with Hetmyer’s fitness
West Indies Simmons also expressed his disappointment over Shimron Hetmyer's as he is letting down himself and his teammates by not paying enough attention to his physical fitness.
“It’s something that’s heart-wrenching because you know that you’re part of this team and you have to continue to be a certain fitness to be part of this team, and you keep letting down your team-mates,” Simmons said during the press conference.
Hetmyer also missed the recent tour to Pakistan because of personal reasons.
“It’s disappointing and again, we have to go back to this and I think it’s something which we shouldn’t have to be going back to all the time. He keeps letting down himself and his teammates,” the 58-year-old added.
West Indies announced the squad for Ireland and England series last week and Hetmyer was not a part of the team. West Indies announced the squad for the two home series last week and Hetmyer was not a part of the team.
