Mumbai: West Indies have brought back superstars Sunil Narine and Keiron Pollard for the first two T20Is of the three-match series against India starting August 3.
The 14-member squad also includes Andre Russell, subject to him passing a fitness assessment prior to the series. He is set to return to the playing field following his early exit from the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 to undergo an operation on his troublesome left knee.
Narine last played in a T20I for West Indies against England almost two years ago at Chester-le-Street and batting all-rounder Pollard appeared last November on India tour.
“We felt that players like Narine and Pollard, who have played well in T20 leagues around the World, once they are fit and mentally ready to play, we must give them the opportunity to represent the West Indies again,” said interim chairman of the CWI Selection Panel, Robert Haynes while announcing the squad on Tuesday.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Anthony Bramble, who has played 12 T20 games and 46 List A games, has earned a maiden call-up and is the only newcomer in the side that also includes Khary Pierre and John Campbell in the squad which will be led by Carlos Brathwaite.
The 28-year-old Bramble has given firm proof of his batting and keeping ability in the West Indies Championship for reigning five-time champions Guyana Jaguars, who also reached the Final of last year’s West Indies Super50 Cup.
He captained West Indies B to the Final of the Global T20 Tournament last year in Canada and was recently picked up in the CPL draft for the first time in three years and will play for his home-based Guyana Amazon Warriors.
“We have been following his performances in regional competitions over the years and it cannot be forgotten that he led the West Indies B’ Team to the GT20 in Canada, and that team did well to reach the Final,” Haynes said. “We figured that though Nicholas Pooran will be the first-choice wicketkeeper, but we needed to have someone to deputise in case something unexpected happens and Bramble is the perfect choice.”
Veteran opener Chris Gayle made himself unavailable for the series and will feature in Canada’s Global T20 League instead.
“This squad is an excellent balance of experience and youth. It’s not just about the present the India Tour of the West Indies but we are also looking at the T20 World Cup coming up next year and it is important that we find the right combination of players and the right formula for defending our title.
“We have to make sure that we put certain things in place now, so that when it comes to picking the squad for the T20 World Cup, it becomes easier, so we are giving more players the opportunity to play and get the exposure,” Haynes said.
After the first two T20Is in Florida on August 3 and 4, the final match of the series will be played in Guyana on August 6 before the three-match ODI series and two Tests.
Squad: John Campbell, Evin Lewis, Shimron Hetmyer, Nicolas Pooran, Kieron Pollard, Rovman Powell, Carlos Brathwaite (c), Keemo Paul, Sunil Narine, Sheldon Cottrell, Oshane Thomas, Anthony Bramble, Andre Russell, Khary Pierre.
