West Indies Rests Key Players for T20I Series Against South Africa

The West Indies have announced their 15-player squad for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa, providing a final opportunity for the team to prepare for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Brandon King will take on the role of captain as regular skipper Rovman Powell, along with top-order performers Shai Hope and Nicholas Pooran, are set to rest. This decision comes in light of the impending T20 World Cup and their recent participation in the IPL.

Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph and key batter Sherfane Rutherford will continue their IPL journey into the playoffs, joining the West Indies squad only if their respective teams fail to reach the IPL final.

Chief selector Desmond Haynes sees the three-match series as a chance for players to secure their spots in the West Indies side for the T20 World Cup opener against Papua New Guinea on June 2.

“These are among the last competitive T20 International matches before the start of the World Cup,” Haynes said. “Players have the opportunity to fine-tune their skills and ensure they are as prepared as they can be for the World Cup, whether they are in the final squad or reserve pool.”

West Indies coach Daren Sammy believes these games will allow the team to work on their best combinations ahead of the T20 World Cup.

“We have not played together as a team since the Australia series, but we just completed a very high-intensity training camp in Antigua,” Sammy said. “Now we have the chance to integrate some of our players returning from the IPL and build some momentum as a group going into the World Cup.”

West Indies squad:

Brandon King (c), Roston Chase, Fabian Allen, Alick Athanaze, Johnson Charles, Andre Fletcher, Matthew Forde, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Obed McCoy, Gudakesh Motie, Romario Shepherd, Hayden Walsh Jr.

Series schedule:

First T20I, Jamaica, May 23
Second T20I, Jamaica, May 25
Third T20I, Jamaica, May 26