The CWI has announced the West Indies squad for the upcoming tour of Pakistan and the Netherlands. Accordingly, there is no room for several senior players in the squad and the doors have been opened for a few new faces.
Senior all-rounders Jason Holder, Shimron Hetmeyer and Evin Lewis have been ruled out of the squad. According to the West Indies Cricket Board, Jason Holder is playing in the IPL this year and has been rested to manage his work, Evin Lewis also misses out as he was unable to meet the CWI’s fitness criteria and shimron hetmayer has not been named in the squad due to the birth of his first child.
Fast bowlers Jayden Seales, 20, and Shermon Lewis, 26, along with batsman Keacy Carty, 25, Anderson Phillip have named for two ODI Series.
West Indies will play the Netherlands in a three-match One Day International (ODI) series from May 31-June 4, before travelling to Pakistan for another three-match ODI series from June 8-12.
West Indies assistant coach Roddy Estwick said on Friday that young players should make the most of their tour of the Netherlands and Pakistan and make it tough for senior players to rejoin the team.
“It is an opportunity for a lot of the younger players with one or two senior players not there, so it is a chance to really showcase your skills and put pressure on people who are not on the side.”
He added,
“You are in control, you are the one who is playing. Make them have to work hard to get back in.”
He also said it would be a challenge to adapt to the Netherlands’ pitches and climate.
“The major challenge will be adjusting to the pitches, getting use to the conditions said. We don’t know what the conditions would be like in Holland, it could be cold or it could be hot, but it is adjusting to the conditions.”
West Indies squad ;-
Nicholas Pooran (C), Shai Hope (VC), 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 Jr.