Cricket West Indies have announced an 18-man T20I provisional squad for a jam-packed international summer where they will host South Africa, Australia and Pakistan. As many as fifteen successive T20 matches are lined up, five against each opponent.
Shimron Hetmyer, who was dropped for putting on weight, has been recalled to the side. Another notable inclusion is Andre Russell, whose last appearance for the Men in Maroon came over a year ago, against Sri Lanka. Russell was adjudged Player of the Match for his 14-ball 40 in that match.
Oshane Thomas and Sheldon Cottrell too returned to the side, while seniors like Chris Gayle, Lendl Simmon and Fidel Edwards have retained their places. Kieron Pollard will lead the side in this format, with Nicholas Pooran as deputy. Sunil Narine, yet to declare himself ready for international cricket, has been left out.
The 18-member provisional squad will be required to quarantine ahead of the series. They are allowed to train at Grenada National Cricket Stadium in St Lucia. The final squad will be announced separately for each series.
The summer kick-starts with a two-match Test series against South Africa. Following that, the first of the five T20Is will be played on June 26.
Both Australia and South Africa have already announced their extended squads for the Caribbean tour. Dean Elgar will lead South Africa in the Test series, while Temba Bavuma has been named captain for the limited-overs series. Faf du Plessis could not make the cut despite having a prolific outing in the IPL 2021.
Australia have left out Marnus Labuschagne, who is currently engaged with Glamorgan for the ongoing County Championship. The other key members are all there.
West Indies T20I squad for South Africa and Australia series: Kieron Pollard (c), Nicholas Pooran (vc), Fabian Allen, Dwayne Bravo, Sheldon Cottrell, Fidel Edwards, Andre Fletcher, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Evin Lewis, Obed McCoy, Andre Russell, Lendl Simmons, Kevin Sinclair, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr.