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CWI announces white ball squads for Sri Lanka tour

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has unveiled the squads for the highly anticipated West Indies Men’s T20 International (T20I) and One Day International (ODI) series against Sri Lanka, set to run from October 10 to 17, 2024.

The series will see the West Indies face off in three T20Is and three ODIs as they continue to build momentum for future ICC tournaments.

The T20I team, led by Captain Rovman Powell, will take on Sri Lanka from October 10 to 17. Fresh off a 3-0 series sweep against South Africa, the West Indies have shot up the rankings to fourth place, firmly establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with. However, with several senior players, including Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell and Akeal Hosein, opting out of the tour, the door has opened for new talent and returning players to make their mark.

Head Coach Daren Sammy emphasised the importance of this series for testing the team’s depth, stating: “The tour of Sri Lanka gives us a chance to assess players in different situations, especially with several senior players missing out due to rest and recovery from injury. We are confident in our ability to compete strongly against Sri Lanka.”

Following the T20Is, attention will turn to the ODI series, which runs from October 20 to 27. Shai Hope will continue to lead the ODI side with Alzarri Joseph serving as Vice-Captain. A key highlight of the squad is the inclusion of young Antiguan wicketkeeper-batsman Jewel Andrew, who has earned his first call-up to the senior team after promising performances in this year’s Caribbean Premier League and a hundred vs South Africa in the last Under-19 World Cup. Andrew’s selection signals the West Indies’ commitment to developing emerging talent as they look toward the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

Coach Sammy expressed his excitement at Andrew’s debut, saying, “We’re thrilled to see young players like Jewel Andrew being given this opportunity. He’s an exciting prospect for the future, and this tour will be a valuable chance for him to gain experience and showcase his abilities.”

The ODI squad also sees the return of several familiar faces, including Brandon King and Sherfane Rutherford, as the West Indies look to build a balanced team capable of competing on the world stage. The first ODI is scheduled for October 20, and fans will be eager to see how the new and returning players perform in what promises to be a competitive series.

T20 squad: Rovman Powell (Captain), Roston Chase (Vice-Captain), Fabian Allen, Alick Athanaze, Andre Fletcher, Terrance Hinds, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Shamar Springer

ODI squad: Shai Hope (Captain), Alzarri Joseph (Vice-Captain), Jewel Andrew, Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Hayden Walsh Jr.

T20I Series: