XtraTime Web Desk: Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine and Dwayne Bravo are the three big names missing in the fifteen member World Cup squad announced by West Indies selectors on Wednesday. However hard hitting Jamaican all-rounder Andre Russell has made a comeback into the national team riding on an outstanding season with the bat in the ongoing Indian Premier League so far. Russell last played ODI cricket in July 2018. He was recalled for his side’s last two ODIs against England in February, but injury ruled him out of the series.
Apart from Russell, the fast-bowling duo of Sheldon Cottrell and Shannon Gabriel also received call-ups, the latter having missed West Indies’ last ODI series, against England, due to a ban, while Kemar Roach and Oshane Thomas make up the rest of the pace attacks. Nicholas Pooran looks set to take the spot behind the stumps, with Shai Hope covering as a back-up wicket-keeper.
The spin bowling department will be handled by Fabian Allen and Ashley Nurse in the absence of seasoned campaigners like Devendra Bishoo and Sunil Narine. Fast bowlers Keemo Paul and Alzarri Joseph also missed out on their selection.
West Indies selectors have included seasoned opener Chris Gayle in the fifteen member squad. The 39 year old Gayle has scored 51 half centuries and 25 centuries in his 289 appearances for West Indies. He was in stunning form during the series against England, averaging 106 across the five games after making his return to the international setup.
Captain Jason Holder will lead the all-rounder’s spot along with Carlos Brathwaite and Andre Russell.
Squad: Jason Holder (c), Chris Gayle, Andre Russell, Sheldon Cottrell, Shannon Gabriel, Kemar Roach, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Ashley Nurse, Fabian Allen, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope (wk), Oshane Thomas, Carlos Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Evin Lewis.