ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies (CWI) has rested veteran all-rounders Jason Holder and Andre Russell for the West Indies’ upcoming T20 series against South Africa, which begins on Friday in Trinidad and Tobago.
The decision was revealed on Sunday as CWI named a 15-member squad for the three-match series, with Rovman Powell continuing as captain.
Director of Cricket at CWI, Miles Bascombe, explained that both Holder and Russell requested time off to rest and recover, following their heavy workloads in recent months. Holder, who recently played in five consecutive Test matches against England and South Africa, and Russell, one of the team’s key T20 players, will work closely with CWI’s science and medicine team during their break.
“André Russell requested a period of rest and recovery, as did Jason Holder, who played five back-to-back Tests against England and South Africa,” Bascombe stated. “During this period, they will work closely with the CWI science and medicine team.”
Absence of two key players
Despite the absence of two key players, the West Indies will look to build on their recent T20 success, having won four of their last five T20 series. Head coach Daren Sammy expressed confidence in the squad, emphasizing the importance of the series as the team sets its sights on the next T20 World Cup in 2026.
“Facing a strong South Africa side is an excellent opportunity for our team to reset and refocus with our game plan. We have played them recently and had mixed results, so this should be an exciting and important series,” Sammy said. “I’m confident in the squad we’ve selected, and with eyes already on the next T20 World Cup in 2026, I know the guys will be keen to show their hunger for success.”
The West Indies squad has undergone some changes since the T20 World Cup, with left-arm spinner Fabian Allen, fast-bowler Matthew Forde, and stylish batsman Alick Athanaze being added to the line-up. Athanaze was also part of the recently concluded Test series against South Africa. Opener Brandon King, who suffered an injury during the T20 World Cup, remains absent from the squad, as does pacer Alzarri Joseph, who has been rested following the Test series.
Roston Chase has been named as vice-captain for the series, providing leadership support alongside Rovman Powell.
Eager to exact revenge
The West Indies, currently ranked fourth in the world – one spot ahead of South Africa – will be eager to exact revenge after the Proteas defeated them in the Super 8 stage of the recent T20 World Cup before going on to lose to India in the final.
The T20 series will take place at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, with the first match scheduled for August 23, followed by the second on August 25, and the final match on August 27.
West Indies Squad: Rovman Powell (captain), Roston Chase (vice-captain), Alick Athanaze, Johnson Charles, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Fabian Allen, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Obed McCoy, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas Pooran, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd.
Management Team: Daren Sammy (head coach), Rayon Griffith (assistant coach), Floyd Reifer (assistant coach), Ramesh Subasinghe (assistant coach), Denis Byam (physiotherapist), Ronald Rogers (strength and conditioning coach), Fitzbert Alleyne (team masseur),Rawle Lewis (team manager), Avenesh Seetaram (team analyst).
Match Schedule:
- August 23 – 1st T20I, West Indies vs South Africa
- August 25 – 2nd T20I, West Indies vs South Africa
- August 27 – 3rd T20I, West Indies vs South Africa
All matches will be played at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.
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