The West Indies have unveiled their squads for the upcoming white-ball tour of Sri Lanka, set to take place from October 13 to October 26. The tour, which includes three T20Is and three ODIs, will see several notable absentees and new faces as the team looks to test its depth and build for the future.
Key Absentees and Returns
In a surprising move, a quartet of senior players—Andre Russell, Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, and Akeal Hosein—have opted out of the T20I squad due to personal reasons. Their absence opens the door for younger players and new talent to shine.
One of the key returns is opening batter Evin Lewis, who last featured in a T20I during the 2022 World Cup. Lewis has been included in both the T20I and ODI squads, marking a significant comeback to the international fold. Brandon King also returns to the T20I setup after recovering from a side injury that saw him miss large parts of the 2023 T20 World Cup and the 2024 Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
The absence of Russell, a leading allrounder, has prompted the selection of Terrance Hinds and Shamar Springer as replacements. Both players have earned their call-ups after strong performances in the CPL 2024. Hinds, known for his ability to bowl at the death, has been a key figure for the Trinbago Knight Riders, while Springer, who impressed with 12 wickets in nine CPL games, will bring his spin expertise to the squad. Springer’s slower variations could prove useful on Sri Lanka’s sluggish pitches.
Leadership and Squad Overview
The T20I team will be led by Rovman Powell, with Roston Chase serving as vice-captain. Chase, who earned a central contract earlier this week, will play a crucial role as both a spinner and a batter. The squad also includes promising players like Fabian Allen, Alick Athanaze, and Gudakesh Motie. The latter, West Indies’ only frontline spin option in the T20I setup, will likely have a major role in controlling the middle overs. Additionally, Alzarri Joseph returns to the side after being rested for the home series against South Africa.
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A surprise omission from the squad is Johnson Charles, who had an outstanding CPL 2024 campaign for St Lucia Kings but failed to make the cut. Instead, Andre Fletcher has been named as the reserve opener, with the experienced Sherfane Rutherford returning to the squad after personal reasons saw him withdraw from CPL 2024.
The bowling department also sees Romario Shepherd and Shamar Joseph make the cut, with Shepherd expected to play a key role in the death overs.
Emerging Talent in the ODI Squad
The ODI squad features a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, including Jewel Andrew, the 17-year-old prodigy who could make his debut in ODI cricket. Andrew, who made waves in the CPL with a match-winning unbeaten 50, is considered one of the most exciting prospects in West Indies cricket. If he plays, he would become the youngest West Indian to debut in ODIs, following in the footsteps of cricket legends like Garry Sobers and Derek Sealy.
Shai Hope continues to captain the ODI team, with Alzarri Joseph serving as vice-captain. The squad also sees the inclusion of Matthew Forde, who impressed with his performances for Dambulla Aura in the Lanka Premier League (LPL). The spin department on the ODI side includes Hayden Walsh Jr., a wrist spinner who will complement Motie in what is expected to be spin-friendly conditions.
With an eye on the future, the West Indies selectors are keen to assess emerging talent like Alick Athanaze and Keacy Carty, both of whom have shown promise in recent domestic and T20 leagues. Carty, in particular, was in fine form for Trinbago Knight Riders in the CPL, amassing 246 runs in ten innings at an average of 30.75.
West Indies T20I Squad for Sri Lanka Tour 2024
Rovman Powell (capt), Roston Chase (vice-capt), Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Fabian Allen, Alick Athanaze, Andre Fletcher, Terrance Hinds, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Romario Shepherd, Shamar Springer
West Indies ODI Squad for Sri Lanka Tour 2024
Shai Hope (capt), Alzarri Joseph (vice-capt), Matthew Forde, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Jewel Andrew, Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Hayden Walsh Jr.