Veteran all-rounder Andre Russell has made his way back into the T20I set-up as West Indies have named a power-packed squad for the five-match home series against England, starting on December 12.
The West Indian selectors have made quite a few changes to the squad that featured in the last series against India at home in August.
Johnson Charles, Odean Smith and Obed McCoy failed to find a spot in the team whereas Matthew Forde, Sherfane Rutherford and Gudakesh Motie have been added to the squad.
Swashbuckling left-hander Nicholas Pooran and seasoned all-rounder Jason Holder feature in the 15-member squad as well.
Russell's return is probably an indication that he is a part of the selectors' plan for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, slated to take place in the West Indies and USA in June.
"This will be the final home T20I series for the West Indies in 2023, as they prepare to be one of the two host teams for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA in June 2024," Desmond Haynes, Cricket West Indies' chief selector, was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
"We have selected a squad that we think gives us the best chance of success in that tournament. We will continue to assess in the lead-up to the competition."
West Indies squad for the T20I series against England:
Rovman Powell (c), Shai Hope (vc), Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd