West Indies have named a 15-man squad for their upcoming T20I series against England, with key players Akeal Hosein, Shimron Hetmyer, Nicholas Pooran, and Andre Russell all making their return after missing the previous series in Sri Lanka due to personal reasons. The two-match series will be held in Barbados this weekend, on Saturday and Sunday.
The squad remains largely unchanged from the one that lost 2-1 to Sri Lanka in October, with a few adjustments. Alick Athanaze, Andre Fletcher, Fabian Allen, and Shamar Springer have been dropped, while uncapped all-rounder Terrance Hinds retains his spot. Matthew Forde has been added to the squad as cover for fast bowler Alzarri Joseph, who is serving a two-match suspension for walking off the field during the third ODI against England.
Head coach Daren Sammy expressed confidence in the squad, describing the T20I team as the “most settled” with plenty of experience. “The difficulty will be picking the XI, as every single player is challenging for a spot,” Sammy said. “We are facing a very good England team, but I’m confident we’ll play a brand of cricket that allows us to win games in this ‘Rivalry’ series.”
Romario Shepherd, who had to leave the field mid-ODI against England due to cramps, has been declared fit and included in the squad.
Following the Barbados leg of the series, the teams will move on to St Lucia, with West Indies to confirm their squad for the final three matches.
West Indies Squad for First Two T20Is of The England Series
Rovman Powell (captain), 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.
