Rovman Powell named T20 vice-captain for Bangladesh series

THE CRICKET West Indies (CWI) selection panel has announced the West Indies squad for the upcoming three-match T20 International series and the three-match CG United One-Day International series against Bangladesh.

The T20I series opens with back-to-back matches on Saturday and Sunday at Windsor Park in Dominica. The series climaxes with the third and final match on July 7 at the Guyana National Stadium.

Rovman Powell has been named as the new vice-captain for the T20s and left-arm fast bowler Obed McCoy returns after recovering from injuries.

This will bethe first T20 series without former captain Kieron Pollard as new captain Nicholas Pooran will be at the helm. Pooran is the former vice-captain.

There are also recalls for experienced wicket-keeper batsman Devon Thomas and all-rounder Keemo Paul.

The CG United ODI series will be played at the Guyana National Stadium with matches on July 10, 13 and 16.

In the CG United ODI series squad, there is a call-up for left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie.

Lead selector Desmond Haynes said, “We know Rovman’s history. He has captained the West Indies before and is also the captain of his CPL franchise (Jamaica Tallawahs). Our role is to look at future leaders as well and we have identified a few, including himself, who we will be putting programmes around to ensure we keep them involved in that aspect of the cricket.”

Speaking about Thomas and McCoy, Haynes said, “Thomas is a very versatile cricketer, who has been knocking on the door in all formats. He has been doing well in franchise cricket and with that level of talent, we must ensure we keep him interested. He brings a lot to the table and is basically a four-dimensional player. He can bat, bowl, he is brilliant in the field, and he can keep wicket as well. McCoy has done exceptionally well in the IPL and enjoyed a successful stint in England as well, so we are confident that he is back to his best in terms of playing and fitness.”

Haynes said with the T20 World Cup being held later this year, the more T20 series played will be beneficial to the team.

“Generally, we have to start looking at the bigger picture of getting these players playing together as often as possible in preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup later down in the year. We need to ensure we are fielding a very strong side for that tournament.”

FULL SQUADS

T20

Nicholas Pooran (captain), Rovman Powell (vice-captain), Shamarh Brooks, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Obed McCoy, Keemo Paul, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Devon Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jnr

Reserve: Dominic Drakes

ODI

Nicholas Pooran (captain), Shai Hope (vice-captain), Shamarh Brooks, Kaecy Carty, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Anderson Phillip, Rovman Powell, Jayden Seales

Reserve: Romario Shepherd