West Indies have announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming ODI series against Netherlands and Pakistan, which will mark the beginning of Nicholas Pooran’s reign as white-ball captain. But there is no room for several senior players in the squad.
Accordingly, West Indies lead selector, Desmond Haynes believes that the current players are capable of filling the void left by former captain, Kieron Pollard.
This will be the first couple of tours with Nicholas Pooran as full time captain but the side will also be without the services of premier all rounder, Jason Holder
“When you look at Pollard’s contribution both on and off the field, it isn’t something you say you will take lightly but I think he will be missed but I think people like Rovman Powell, you’ve got people like Kyle Mayers, people like Romario Shepherd, you’ve got a lot of guys, even Akeal [Hosein] playing in the middle there who can bat a little bit and bowl,” he said.
“I think we’ve got a lot of all-rounders. Yes, we are going to miss Pollard but I believe we’ve got enough there to do the job for us,” Haynes added.
Pollard represented the West Indies in 123 One Day Internationals, scoring three centuries and 13 half centuries to go with his 55 wickets. He also played in 101 T20Is, making six fifties at a strike rate of 136 and taking 42 wickets.
According to Haynes, the new comers should have an ultimate goal of playing for the West Indies and to get the opportunity to play for the nation is a big step.
He explained that from a personal standpoint, he is hopeful that the new players can grab the opportunity with both hands.
The newbies are Jayden Seales and Shermon Lewis, both of whom played Test cricket and Keacy Carty who is the first player from St. Maarten to be selected in the West Indies side.
“This is the perfect opportunity for the youngsters to get a chance to show their worth and again we talk about broadening the pool…this is opportunity for the youngsters I think it is a good one and I really hope they could grab it and take advantage of this opportunity,” He said.
West Indies squad: Nicholas Pooran (captain), Shai Hope (vice captain), Nkrumah Bonner, Shamarh Brooks, Keacy Carty, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Shermon Lewis, Kyle Mayers, Anderson Phillip, Rovman Powell, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Hayden Walsh Jnr
Meanwhile, The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Monday named the 16-member squad for the three ODI matches against West Indies, which are scheduled at the R.Pindi Cricket Stadium on 8, 10 and 12 June.
In his comments on the squad, Chief Selector Muhammad Wasim said that the ODIs against the West Indies are part of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 qualification, so they have decided to give the best chance to the national side to collect maximum points and strengthen their chances of progressing directly for the pinnacle 50-over tournament.
Pakistan squad for West Indies ODIs:
Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper/batter), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper/batter), Mohammad Wasim Junior, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shahnawaz Dahani and Zahid Mahmood.