On July 22, Cricket West Indies Indies (CWI) had announced the 14-man squad for the first two Twenty20 Internationals scheduled to be held at Lauderhill in Florida. The Windies will take on Virat Kohli-led India in the three-match T20I series. The shortest version across formats will commence from August 3. Well, Windies predicted playing XI boasts about some power-hitters and excellent pacers for the impending series.
The two-time T20 champions are placed ninth with 226 points which saw them playing 21 matches.
Now, they will wrestle with Men in Blue, who are seven points away to pip England. The Men in Green are leading the T20I team ranking charts with 283 points.
Let’s have a look at Windies predicted playing XI for the 1st T20I at Florida:
Chris Gayle:
The burly Windies opener Chris Gayle couldn’t do much at the World Cup. The experienced southpaw will be keen to make most of the opportunities for the national team.
The explosive batsman had plundered runs at will from time to time. Gayle would be eager to give a brisk start to the Windies.
Evin Lewis:
Evin Lewis had blow hold and cold at the World Cup. However, Lewis boasts about a decent record against India. He has a liking for the Men in Blue bowlers.
Known for playing a wide array of shots, Lewis also backs himself to play an exciting game. He is the one to watch out for at the impending T20 series.
Shimron Hetmyer:
The southpaw Shimron Hetmyer had proved his mettle in his early days of international cricket. Hetmyer had scored 257 runs in the UK. However, the fascinating character had managed to hit the ground running the T20 fold.
Hetmyer has changed the gears, and he is the asset for the Caribbean team.
Nicholas Pooran:
The wicketkeeper-batsman Nicholas Pooran has been exceptional in the T20 fold. Pooran had emerged as the leading run-getter in the World Cup. He had amassed 367 runs at an average of 52.43.
Pooran would like to continue with his show in the T20I.
Andre Russell:
Windies all-rounder Andre Russell had managed to feature in just three matches for the Windies at the World Cup. Russell had struggled with his hamstring injury.
The powerful right-handed striker of the game is known for producing blazing knocks. He had recently played some outstanding knocks for the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise and two-time champions, Kolkata Knight Riders.
Thus, he has enough experience to play against Team India.
Kieron Pollard:
Kieron Pollard:
The 32-year-old all-rounder Kieron Pollard had featured in 59 T20I for the Windies since 2008. The batting all-rounder had amassed 788 runs at an unhealthy average of 19.7. He had managed 23 wickets at an average of 30.39.
Meanwhile, his experience of playing in the IPL will help the Caribbean teammates.
Carlos Brathwaite:
The 31-year-old Carlos Brathwaite is leading the T20 side. He might not have a good record in the limited-overs cricket, but he has proved to be a good leader.
Brathwaite also has 31 wickets to his name. He would be keen to inspire his team during the home series.
Rovman Powell:
The big-hitting sensation Rovman Powell would be exciting to watch at the fag end of an innings. The 26-year-old Powell had already represented the Windies in 20 T20Is since 2017.
With CWI looking to provide ample opportunities to the young prospects, Powell is the one who has the potential to hold the mantle in the foreseeable future.
Sunil Narine:
The premium off-spinner Sunil Narine has enough experience of playing T20 cricket. He had participated in distinct leagues across the globe.
The star spinner had bagged 50 scalps in 48 T20Is since 2012 for Windies.
Also, he is handy with the bat which saw him opening the innings for KKR in the IPL.
Sheldon Cottrell:
Known for his military-style salute, Sheldon Cottrell was the leading wicket-taker for the Windies. He had snared 12 wickets in nine matches which included a four-for.
Cottrell, who is known for generating speed, could further trouble batters with his short-pitch stuff.
Oshane Thomas:
The promising bowler Oshane Thomas is among the new crop of fast bowlers for the Windies.
He had recently troubled the quality batsman at the ODI showpiece. Thomas had snared nine wickets in as many matches.
In the T20Is, he will be key with the ball for the Caribbean team.