The 15-man Cricket West Indies roster for the forthcoming three-match T20I series against South Africa includes all-rounder Andre Russell of the West Indies, who has decided to take a sabbatical for relaxation and recuperation.
After three months of nonstop cricket, the 36-year-old, who recently participated in both the home World Cup and The Hundred with London Spirit, will miss action.
“Andre Russell requested a period of rest and recovery, as did Jason Holder, who played five back-to-back Tests against South Africa and England,” said Miles Bascombe, Director of Cricket. They will collaborate closely with the CWI research and medical staff throughout this time.
Along with Russell, fast bowler Alzarri Joseph will continue his prolonged leave of absence, while former captain Jason Holder will also miss the series in order to recover. Brandon King, the opener, is still out while he recovers from a side strain he suffered during the Super Eight match against England. Shai Hope or the developing Alick Athanaze might partner Johnson Charles at the top of the order in King’s absence.
The series against South Africa, according to West Indies white-ball coach Daren Sammy, is an important chance for the side to refocus and improve their strategy. Sammy voiced confidence in the team’s capacity to meet the challenge despite acknowledging the inconsistent results of their recent matches with the Proteas.
Sammy underlined the significance of this series as a stepping stone in their long-term objectives, with the 2026 T20 World Cup rapidly approaching.
“Facing a strong South Africa side is an excellent opportunity for our team to reset and refocus with our game plan,” said head coach Daren Sammy. This should be an intriguing and significant series because we have played them recently with varying degrees of success. I have faith in the team we’ve put together, and I believe the boys will be eager to demonstrate their competitive spirit at the upcoming T20 World Cup in 2026.
All-rounder Matthew Forde, who has drawn attention with his exploits for St Lucia Kings in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) under Sammy’s coaching, is one of the new faces in the team.
Forde brings a new dynamic to the club with his ability to swing the new ball and produce huge hits down the order. Fabian Allen, an all-rounder who bowls spin, rejoins the team after being excluded from the T20 World Cup.
Allen, who was instrumental in the Lanka Premier League victory of the Jaffna Kings, gives a spin assault that already includes Roston Chase, Gudakesh Motie, and Akeal Hosein more depth.
At the 2024 T20 World Cup, Shimron Hetmyer does not play a single game, yet he still makes the roster. The gifted left-hander, who will be keen to make a big return, last appeared in a Twenty20 international match for the West Indies in December 2023.
The three Twenty20 International matches will take place in Tarouba’s Brian Lara Stadium, with all matches being played as part of doubleheaders with Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) fixtures.
West Indies team for T20Is vs South Africa:
Obed McCoy, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Rovman Powell (c), Roston Chase, Alick Athanaze, Fabian Allen, Johnson Charles, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, and Joel McCoy.