West Indies have announced a 15-player squad for the initial three out of five home T20Is against England, recalling Andre Russell back after a lengthy absence.
Russell's previous appearance in West Indies attire dates back to 2021 during the T20 World Cup in UAE and Oman. He's widely acknowledged as a standout player in the short format of cricket, boasting nearly 8000 runs in T20 tournaments at a strike rate of 167. Additionally, he has secured over 400 wickets with the ball.
Accompanying Russell in the revamped squad is Matthew Forde, who showcased impressive performances in the recent ODI series against England, along with consistent success in recent domestic T20 seasons. Sherfane Rutherford has also secured a spot, as has spinner Gudakesh Motie, having recuperated from an injury that sidelined him during the India Series.
Despite their success in the previous series against India, Johnson Charles, Obed McCoy, Odean Smith, and Oshane Thomas have been excluded from the squad for the England series.
Shai Hope has been designated as the vice-captain of the T20I team, supporting Rovman Powell. This additional responsibility adds to his current role as the captain of the West Indies ODI team.
Regarding the squad's composition, lead selector Desmond Haynes expressed that this series presents an ideal opportunity to prepare for the T20 World Cup, which the West Indies will co-host with the USA.
"We have selected a squad that we think gives us the best chance of success in that tournament.
"We will continue to assess in the lead up to the competition."
Adjustments to the squad may be made ahead of the fourth and fifth T20Is held in Trinidad on December 19 and 21.
West Indies squad: Rovman Powell (Captain), Shai Hope (Vice-Captain), Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd
West Indies v England T20I Series Schedule
1st T20I: 12 December, Kensington Oval, Barbados
2nd T20I: 14 December, National Stadium, Grenada
3rd T20I: 16 December, National Stadium, Grenada
4th T20I: 19 December, Brian Lara Academy, Trinidad
5th T20I: 21 December, Brian Lara Academy, Trinidad
- Andre Russell