There will be fresh faces on the pitch next week as two youngsters have been included in the West Indies squad as they prepare to battle Australia in a five-match T20 International series beginning July 20.
Following their humiliating defeat in the three-Test series against the Aussies, West Indies announced a 16-member squad for the T20s, according to a report from the International Cricket Council (ICC). The two players are Jewel Andrew and Jediah Blades, who, with their addition to the squad, earned their maiden T20I call-ups.
The ICC describes Andrew as a rising prospect, a highly regarded batting prospect and wicketkeeper, “who has impressed the selectors with his skill against the spinners.” At 18, Andrew is regarded as one of the region’s brightest prospects and will look to make his mark in the shortest format of the game. After making his debut last December and impressing with his bowling skills, left-arm seamer Blades will now look to showcase his skills in T20 Internationals. West Indies will continue to be led by Shai Hope. The full team is as follows:
Shai Hope (C), Jewel Andrew, Jediah Blades, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, and Romario Shepherd.
The West Indies are looking to use the series as an important warm-up to their participation ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next year.
It follows an agonising-to-watch defeat at Sabina Park where the team fell to the Aussies for 27, one of the lowest scores in test cricket history.
