Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced 13-man Windies ODI squad for the three-match home ODI series against Bangladesh, starting from July 22. Earlier, Windies dominated in the two-match home Test series against Bangladesh, where they won the series by the 2-0 margin.
While the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup is just less than one year to go, the two-time world cup champions Windies cricket team is focusing this series as their preparation for the upcoming World Cup.
The Windies head coach Stuart Law has made it clear by quoting, “This is the start of our prep for 2019 CWC. Opportunities for players to stake a claim to be included in the squad. Great to have Dre Russ back as well. His explosive power and energy will breathe life into an already motivated squad.”
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Before the World Cup, Windies will play 16 ODIs and the selection panel is focusing to give enough opportunities to their main players.
In the Jason Holder’s leadership side, the 30-year-old all-rounder Andre Russell has made a comeback in the ODI squad almost the three-year later. While Chris Gayle is in the squad, Carlos Brathwaite, Marlon Samuels, Nikita Miller, Sheldon Cottrell and Kesrick Williams have been missed out from the squad who had featured in the 2018 ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier in last March.
Pacer Kemar Roach also has been rested from the ODI series, who picked up a five-wicket haul in the first innings of the first Test against Bangladesh at North Sound.
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The selection chairman, Courtney Browne, said, “As we continue to prepare, there are only 16 ODIs leading up to the tournament. The panel will focus on giving opportunities from time to time to players that we believe can add value to the ODI team. Kemar Roach will be rested for the upcoming series as we continue to manage players’ work load. With the Super50 Championship set for October this year, we will also have an opportunity for regional players to perform heavily and place themselves in line to be considered for selection. The panel wishes Jason and his team every success in the upcoming series against Bangladesh.”
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The first two ODIs of the series will be played on July 22 and July 25 at Providence Stadium (Guyana). The final ODI will be held at Warner Park (Basseterre) on July 28. The second ODI will be the day/night encounter.
Windies 13-member ODI Squad: Jason Holder (c), Devendra Bishoo, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope (wk), Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Jason Mohammed, Ashley Nurse, Keemo Paul, Kieran Powell, Rovman Powell, Andre Russell
