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Xtra Time Web Desk: West Indies Cricket Board has decided to recall Jason Holder and Alzarri Joseph currently taking part in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 qualifier in Zimbabwe early in order to rest and prepare for the upcoming series against India in July-August. Desmond Haynes, the head selector for the West Indies men's team, explained that the decision was made to keep the two players fresh for the month-long, all-format series against India, which will also mark the start of the new ICC World Test Championship.

West Indies Chief Selector Desmond Haynes emphasized that Jason Holder and Alzarri Joseph are two of the nation's top bowlers across all formats and their presence will be crucial against India. With legspinner Yannic Cariah already withdrawing from the competition due to a facial injury, the team will be left with only 13 players on the roster for the remainder of the qualifier. No replacements have been announced as of now.

The series against India will kick off with two Test matches, with the first one scheduled to take place in Roseau on July 12 and the second Test in Port of Spain on July 20. Following the Tests, three ODIs and five T20Is will be played, with the final T20I match set for August 13 in Lauderhill, Florida, USA.

The West Indies team will rely on the remaining players to step up and perform in the absence of Holder and Joseph during the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 qualifier. Their early return from Zimbabwe is seen as a strategic move to prioritize their preparation and rest ahead of the challenging series against India.