West Indies name squad to face South Africa
|| CF DESK ||
The West Indies have named their 15-player squad for this week's T20I series at home against South Africa.
The upcoming three-game series will serve as crucial preparation for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, allowing much of the squad to fine-tune their skills ahead of next month's tournament.
Brandon King will step in as skipper, with regular captain Rovman Powell set to rest. Key top-order performers Shai Hope and Nicholas Pooran will also sit out the matches to recuperate after their extensive IPL commitments.
Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph and prominent batter Sherfane Rutherford will remain with their IPL teams for the playoffs, joining the West Indies squad only if their teams do not make it to the IPL final.
Chief selector Desmond Haynes believes this series against South Africa will provide players with valuable opportunities to secure their spots for the T20 World Cup opener against Papua New Guinea on June 2.
"These are among the last competitive T20 International matches before the start of the World Cup," Haynes said.
"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."
West Indies coach Daren Sammy said the games will give his side the chance to work on their best combinations ahead of the ninth edition of the T20 World Cup.
"We have not played together as a team since the Australia series, but we just completed a very high-intensity training camp in Antigua," Sammy said.
"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."
West Indies squad: Brandon King (c), Roston Chase, Fabian Allen, Alick Athanaze, Johnson Charles, Andre Fletcher, Matthew Forde, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Obed McCoy, Gudakesh Motie, Romario Shepherd, Hayden Walsh Jr.
Series schedule:
First T20I, Jamaica, May 23
Second T20I, Jamaica, May 25
Third T20I, Jamaica, May 26