Barbadian cricketer, Justin Greaves, is set to make a triumphant return to West Indies’ One-Day International (ODI) squad for the forthcoming matches against Australia. This announcement was made by the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Senior Selection Panel, which unveiled the 15-man squads that will compete in three ODIs and three T20 Internationals (T20Is) from February 2 to 13, 2024.
Greaves, who suffered a hamstring injury in November during the CG United Super 50 Cup, has made a remarkable recovery. He scored an impressive 403 runs in seven innings, boasting an average of 80.59 for the Leeward Islands Hurricanes.
ODI Squad Welcomes New Players
The ODI team also prepares to welcome new faces, Teddy Bishop, a Grenadian top-order batsman, and Guyanese wicketkeeper batsman Tevin Imlach. Both debutants showcased immense talent in the CG United Super 50 Cup and other series.
Hayden Walsh Jr and Kavem Hodge are also returning to the squad. However, players Brandon King, Sherfane Rutherford, Shimron Hetmyer, and Yannic Cariah will not be part of this series.
T20I Format Changes
In the T20I format, Alzarri Joseph is making a comeback, replacing Matthew Forde.
CWI Lead Selector, Desmond Haynes, expressed his confidence in the ODI team’s ability to compete in Australia and emphasized the T20I series as a key preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup, which the West Indies will host.
The white-ball series follows a Test series between Australia and the West Indies from January 17 to 29, where both teams will compete for ICC World Test Championship points.
The West Indies have begun their Test preparations with a camp in Adelaide and a practice match against a Cricket Australia XI.
The team’s management staff includes Team Manager Rawl Lewis, Head Coach Daren Sammy, and a group of assistant coaches and support staff.
The ODI series will be held in Melbourne, Sydney, and Canberra, while the T20I series will take place in Hobart, Adelaide, and Perth, with varying local match start times.
ODI squad: Shai Hope (Captain), Alzarri Joseph, Alick Athanaze, Teddy Bishop, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Tevin Imlach, Gudakesh Motie, Kjorn Ottley, Romario Shepherd, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr.
T20I squad: Rovman Powell (Captain), Shai Hope, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Oshane Thomas
Australia v West Indies ODI Series
1st ODI: 2 February – Melbourne
2nd ODI: 4 February – Sydney
3rd ODI: 6 February – Canberra
Australia v West Indies T20I Series
1st T20I: 9 February – Hobart
2nd T20I: 11 February – Adelaide
3rd T20I: 13 February – Perth