Cricket West Indies (CWI) on Saturday (February 22) named the 14-member squad for the upcoming two-match T20I series against Sri Lanka.
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Andre Russell, the dynamic all-rounder, has been recalled to the squad along with fast bowler Oshane Thomas.
Russell, 31, is a two-time ICC T20 World Cup winner, having played a key role in the triumphs back in 2012 and 2016. The series will see him play his first T20I since August 2018.
Cricket West Indies said in a release that Russell had "successfully completed the CWI return-to-play assessment programme under the supervision of CWI Medical Team in his native Jamaica."
On the other hand, Thomas is selected after making a full recovery from a car accident in Jamaica recently.
“Oshane Thomas appears to be focused and raring to go. He will add pace and penetration to the bowling unit,” Roger Harper, chief Selector, said in a press release.
Additionally, wicketkeeper-batsman Shai Hope has been included alongside left-arm spinner Fabian Allen.
“Shai Hope provides an opening option and cover as a back-up wicket-keeper also,” Harper explained. “Fabian Allen returns from the injury he sustained in the series against Afghanistan late last year. He will provide a spin bowling option as well as adding depth to the batting group.”
Shimron Hetmyer also returned to the side after he was left out of the ODI squad for this tour due to poor fitness standards.
“Shimron Hetmyer missed out on selection for the ODI squad. He has since attained the required fitness level, becoming available for selection and has been included,” Harper said.
The chief selector concluded by saying that the T20Is against Sri Lanka would also serve as building grounds for the T20 World Cup later this year in Australia.
“I look forward to the team building on its recent performances and winning the T20 series in Sri Lanka. This is another opportunity for the team to build on its strengths and identify areas that need improving while continuing the process of building-up with the aim of peaking for the T20 World Cup in October,” Harper remarked.
Squad: Kieron Pollard (captain), Fabian Allen, Dwayne Bravo, Sheldon Cottrell, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Brandon King, Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Lendl Simmons, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr, Kesrick Williams
