The 13th ODI World Cup season came to an end on Sunday. For the first time, the West Indies, the previous two-time champions, were not included in the main event since they were unable to qualify for it. They’ll want to reassemble their team, and their opening test against England will be a three-match ODI series.
The West Indies team was just revealed, and a few new players were chosen.
Shai Hope will lead the team, and the two uncapped players selected were Sherfane Rutherford and Matthew Forde. After an outstanding local Super50 Cup performance in which he concluded with 234 runs in five innings at an average of 78, hitting a century and a fifty, Shane Dowrich—who has only played one ODI and 35 Tests for the West Indies—was called up.
Recalled as well, opening batsman Kjorn Ottley might add to his two One-Day Internationals in January 2021. Ottley averaged 45.28 in eight innings, scoring 317 runs, including a fifty and a century, making him the third-highest run scorer in the Super 50 Cup.
In order to get ready for the T20I format, Jason Holder and Nicholas Pooran skipped the series, while Justin Greaves was sidelined due to injury. In addition, Holder is focusing on red-ball cricket. In the meantime, Super50 campaigner Darren Bravo was passed over.
The vice captain is Alzarri Joseph.
Chief selector Desmond Haynes was pleased with the way Hope led the Leeward Islands Hurricanes in the Super50 Cup, so he picked talented fast bowler Alzarri Joseph as his deputy.
“After the Leeward Islands Hurricanes won the most recent CG United Super50 Cup, we selected Alzarri Joseph as vice captain because of his maturity and strong leadership abilities. According to Cricbuzz, top selector Desmond Haynes stated, “We think with exposure and opportunities he could be a future leader in West Indies cricket.”
“Matthew Forde is a fantastic, all-around cricket player. He’s one of the players that the West Indies Academy program is producing that could play a role in the future, Haynes continued.
On November 20 in Antigua, the players spent time practicing in the nets. This marked the start of the official preparations. The players’ strength and conditioning during the camp were also emphasized.
“As we get ready to play England at home, everyone knows exactly what is expected of them. The camp will be comprehensive and grounded on the particulars that we have determined are necessary for our success on the global stage. “Our training sessions will be intense and intentional, with the ultimate goal of winning and progressing,” stated head coach Daren Sammy.
“I think that readiness is key. I think you offer yourself the best chance of winning when you prepare well. You will raise your game when you put in the necessary amount of hard work and skill development,” he continued.
December 3 and December 6, respectively, will see the first two one-day internationals held in Antigua. On December 9, Barbados will host the third and final game. Five T20Is will come after the three-match ODI series.
West Indies squad: Shai Hope (captain), Alzarri Joseph (vice captain), Alick Athanaze, Yannic Cariah, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Kjorn Ottley, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Oshane Thomas