Andre Russell will miss West Indies’ upcoming three-match T20I series against South Africa at home as he has requested time for rest and recovery, according to CWI’s director of cricket, Miles Bascombe. The 36-year-old, who was part of West Indies’ Super Eight campaign during the home World Cup in June and recently played for London Spirit in The Hundred, will work closely with the CWI science and medicine team.
Jason Holder will also be rested for the T20Is. Alzarri Joseph, who was West Indies’ vice-captain during the T20 World Cup and missed the Test series against South Africa, will continue his break. West Indies’ red-ball coach, Andre Coley, emphasized the importance of managing Joseph’s workload to maintain his skills and effectiveness.
Additionally, opening batter Brandon King will miss the series as he recovers from a side strain sustained during the Super Eight fixture against England in June. Shai Hope and Johnson Charles are likely to open the batting, with rookie Alick Athanaze also an option.
Shimron Hetmyer, who did not play in the 2024 T20 World Cup, remains in the squad despite last featuring in a T20I in December 2023. Coach Daren Sammy sees the series against South Africa as a chance for the team to reset and refocus ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
The squad also includes allrounder Matthew Forde, who has impressed in the CPL, and spin-bowling allrounder Fabian Allen, returning after missing the T20 World Cup. The Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba will host all three T20Is as part of double-headers with the WCPL.
West Indies Squad: Rovman Powell (capt), Roston Chase (vice-capt), Alick Athanaze, Fabian Allen, Johnson Charles, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Obed McCoy, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas Pooran, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd.
Leave a Reply