The West Indies selectors have surprised everyone by naming a near full-strength squad for the one-off T20I against India at Jamaica on Sunday.
Flamboyant opener Chris Gayle is back in the scheme of things after missing out from the other formats and is bound to be a certain starter for the encounter on Sunday. Destructive all-rounder Kieron Pollard too returned to the team, as he was named in the squad too.
Apart from the two IPL stars, the ever reliable Sunil Narine returned to the setup as well after not being named in the ODI team. Other noticeable inclusions included that of Marlon Samuels and leg-spinner Samuel Badree. The West Indies recently played a three-match T20I series against Afghanistan at home, which the hosts won 3-0.
Chief selector Courtney Browne spoke to the media and mentioned his delight about having the T20 superstars back in the reckoning.
“We welcome Chris back to the T20 squad,” said Courtney Browne, while addressing the media. “He is the most prolific batsman in this format and will add value to our team at the top of the order. He will get the chance to play on his home ground and against a top-quality Indian team.”
Expressing a perfect mix of youth and experience, Browne added,
“This squad has a good mix – experience within the batting and bowling – it is a well-balanced squad. Again, this is an opportunity for the young players to showcase their talent and for the experience players to perform and help nurture the young players.”
West Indies squad for one-off T20I:
Carlos Brathwaite (c), Samuel Badree, Ronsford Beaton, Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Jason Mohammed, Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, Rovman Powell, Marlon Samuels, Jerome Taylor, Chadwick Walton (wk), Kesrick Williams
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