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The West Indies Cricket Board has announced the West Indies squad for the T20I series against South Africa scheduled to start on May 24. Batter Brandon King will lead the side in the absence of many senior players who are currently fulfilling their IPL commitments.
Rovman Powell who is with the Rajasthan Royals will miss the matches as his team has qualified for the playoffs where as other key players’ selections like that of Kyle Mayers and Sherfane Rutherford are subject to their team’s qualification in the top four.
Selector’s Corner
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In reaction to the selection of the players for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa West Indies head selector Desmond Haynes said “These are among the last competitive T20 international matches before the start of the World Cup.” “Players have the opportunity to fine-tune their skills and ensure they are as prepared as they can be for the World Cup, whether they are in the final squad or reserve pool,” he added.
The Opportunity
Brandon King will be leading the side for the first time and will be taking over the captaincy duties from Rostan Chase who led the team on the tour of Nepal. Shamar Joseph who bowled a match-winning spell in the Test match against Australia has also found a place in the squad.
Also Read: Players With The Most Appearances In The T20 World Cup
Coach’s Corner
Talking about the squad for the T20 series West Indies ODI and T20 Head coach Daren Sammy said: “We have not played together as a team since the Australia series, but we just completed a very high-intensity training camp in Antigua. Now we have the chance to integrate some of our players returning from the IPL and build some momentum as a group going into the World Cup.”
The Last Chance
The series will be the last opportunity for West Indies to test themselves before the all-important T20 World Cup 2024 against a strong team like South Africa who will also be missing some of their frontline players due to their IPL commitments which include the team’s full-time T20I captain Aiden Markram who is representing the Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2024. Right-handed batter Rassie van der Dussen will lead the Proteas in the absence of Markram.
Also Read: Bowlers With Five-Wicket Haul In T20 World Cup
West Indies squad for the T20I series against South Africa
Brandon King (capt), Roston Chase, Alick Athanaze, Johnson Charles, Andre Fletcher, Mathew Forde, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Obed McCoy, Gudakesh Motie, Romario Shepherd, Hayden Walsh.
