Uncapped talents Sherfane Rutherford and Matthew Forde have received call-ups to the West Indies squad for the upcoming three-match One-Day International (ODI) series against England.
The 15-man squad also marks the return of 32-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman Shane Dowrich, who last played an ODI four-and-a-half years ago.
Several significant changes have been made to the squad, including the appointment of fast bowler Alzarri Joseph as the vice-captain, replacing Rovman Powell. Additionally, some notable omissions include opener Kyle Mayers, fast bowlers Jayden Seales and Dominic Drakes, and off-spinner Kevin Sinclair, all of whom were part of the squad that faced India in the Caribbean last July.
Leading all-rounder Jason Holder and explosive left-hander Nicholas Pooran have been left out of the squad, with Cricket West Indies stating that both players are “prioritizing preparation” for other formats of the game.
Darren Bravo has once again been left out of the squad
Despite his impressive performance in the Super50 Cup, veteran left-hander Darren Bravo has once again been left out of the squad. Bravo, who led Trinidad and Tobago Red Force to their 14th Super50 title with 416 runs at an average of 83, last represented West Indies 22 months ago.
Sherfane Rutherford earned his place in the squad on the back of a strong Super50 Cup campaign, where he led Guyana Harpy Eagles with 278 runs at an average of 46, including his maiden List A hundred. Matthew Forde, although managing only five wickets at 31 in the Super50 Cup, impressed the selectors and was deemed a valuable addition.
Chief selector Desmond Haynes praised Matthew Forde’s commitment, saying, “Matthew Forde is a whole-hearted cricketer who has been impressive. He is one of the players coming through the West Indies Academy program who can form part of the future.”
Haynes also emphasized the squad’s focus on building a solid team for success at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027 and expressed optimism about the upcoming series against England.
Dowrich makes return to international cricket
Dowrich makes his return to international cricket after abruptly leaving the tour of New Zealand three years ago for “personal reasons.” The Barbadian, with 35 Tests under his belt, played a significant role for Combined Campuses and Colleges in the Super50 Cup, leading their batting with 234 runs at an average of 78.
Kjorn Ottley, who played his only two ODIs nearly three years ago, has earned a recall after scoring 317 runs at an average of 45 in the regional domestic tournament.
The West Indies ODI series against England is scheduled to take place from December 3 to December 9, with matches to be held in Antigua and Barbados.
West Indies ODI Squad Shai Hope (Captain), Alzarri Joseph (Vice Captain), Alick Athanaze, Yannic Cariah, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Kjorn Ottley, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Oshane Thomas
Match Schedule:
- Sunday, December 3: 1st CG United ODI at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua – 9:30 am
- Wednesday, December 6: 2nd CG United ODI at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua – 1:30 pm
- Saturday, December 9: 3rd CG United ODI at Kensington Oval, Barbados – 1:30 pm
