The selection panel of the Cricket West Indies named a 14-member squad for the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka today. The team sees the return of several veterans, including Andre Russell and Oshane Thomas.
31-year-old Russell has been in two ICC World Cup T20I winning squads, playing important roles in helping his team to the title in Sri Lanka in 2012 and in India in 2016. Russell has played 47 T20Is for his home team so far. He returned to the team following the Cricket West Indies’ return-to-play assessment program, held under the supervision of the CWI Medical Team.
Thomas, who was recently involved in a car accident, is en route a full recovery. The recently turned 23-year old cricketer has been selected for the team, along with Wicket Keeper/Batsman Shai Hope and left-arm spinner Fabian Allen.
Shimron Hetmyer also completed a fitness assessment earlier in the week and qualified in the minimum required standard for selection.
CWI Lead Selector Roger Harper said: “Shimron Hetmyer missed out on selection for the ODI squad. He has since attained the required fitness level, becoming available for selection and has been included.
Andre Russell is back in the squad, having been cleared by the medical panel and successfully completing CWI’s return-to-play protocol. Andre will add potency to every department of the team. Oshane Thomas appears to be focused and raring to go. He will add pace and penetration to the bowling unit.”
He added, “Shai Hope provides an opening option and cover as a back-up wicket-keeper also. Fabian Allen returns from the injury he sustained in the series against Afghanistan late last year. He will provide a spin bowling option as well as adding depth to the batting group.”
Harper outlined that he is focused on the ICC T20 World Cup, which will be held in Australia later this year.
“I look forward to the team building on its recent performances and winning the T20 series in Sri Lanka. This is another opportunity for the team to build on its strengths and identify areas that need improving, while continuing the process of building up with the aim of peaking for the T20 World Cup in October.”
