West Indies will begin the new year with the three-match home ODI series against Ireland. On Wednesday (1st January), the Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced the 14-member squad for the first two ODIs of this forthcoming home series.

The inaugural ICC Cricket World Cup Super League (2020-22) will also begin in the new year. This new ODI Super League will be also the qualification process for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Before these important challenges begin in May 2020, all the teams are now ready to make their final preparation.

With the three-match home ODI series, West Indies are ready to begin the new year. While Bridgetown will host the first two day-night ODIs of this series on 7th and 9th January, St. Geroge’s will host the third and final ODI of this series on 12th January and it will be a day match. On the first day of the new year, the Caribbean cricket board has announced a 14-member squad for the first two ODIs against Ireland.

In the latest selection, the CWI has maintained the same squad that recently traveled in India for the three-match ODI series, except giving rest Jason Holder – the former limited-overs captain and present Test captain. In that ODI series in India, the Caribbean team won the first ODI but suffered defeats in the next two ODIs.

West Indies are currently the ninth-ranked ODI side, while Ireland are the 11th ranked ODI team at present. Till the date, Windies and Ireland have met in nine ODIs (including one no result), where the Caribbean side won seven matches and Ireland won only ODI (during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015). Last time they met in Ireland, during the tri-series just before the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, and West Indies won that match by five wickets.

West Indies squad for the first two ODIs against Ireland: Kieron Pollard (C), Sunil Ambris, Roston Chase, Sheldon Cottrell, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Keemo Paul, Khary Pierre, Nicholas Pooran, Romario Shepherd, Hayden Walsh Jr.