The West Indies have unveiled their squad for the first two matches of the five-game T20I series against England, beginning on November 9 at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados. Following a competitive ODI series between the two teams, in which the West Indies clinched a 2-1 victory by winning the first and third games, the hosts are looking to build on their momentum in the T20 format.

Key players return to strengthen T20I setup

A significant highlight of the squad announcement is the return of experienced players Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Andre Russell, and Akeal Hosein, all of whom were absent from the recent T20I series against Sri Lanka. Their return brings additional firepower and experience to the squad, especially in the batting and all-rounder departments. The inclusion of these four stars has resulted in the omission of Fabian Allen, Alick Athanaze, Andre Fletcher, and Shamar Springer, who made appearances in the previous series.

Matthew Forde replaces suspended Alzarri Joseph

Another notable adjustment is the inclusion of Matthew Forde in place of Alzarri Joseph, who is serving a two-match suspension after an on-field incident involving ODI captain Shai Hope during the final ODI against England. Forde, who shone during the ODI series against England with eight wickets at an impressive average of 16.38, was named Player of the Series and will bring both confidence and form to the T20I squad as he aims to make an impact in the bowling lineup.

Also READ: WI vs ENG: West Indies pacer Alzarri Joseph faces two-match ban after heated disagreement on the field

Well-rounded batting and bowling units for West Indies

The West Indies squad features a balanced mix of explosive batters, skilled all-rounders, and potent bowlers, poised to offer a challenge to the English side. Captain Rovman Powell leads a batting lineup that includes power hitters Pooran, Hetmyer, Brandon King, and Evin Lewis, along with Hope, who adds stability at the top of the order.

The all-rounder section, featuring Russell, Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd, and Sherfane Rutherford, promises to provide both muscle in the batting order and versatility with the ball, giving Powell flexible options across the innings.

In the bowling department, the squad is equipped with a strong pace attack led by Shamar Joseph, Terrance Hinds, and Forde, while the spin duties are handled by Hosein and Gudakesh Motie, who offer variations that could be crucial on the Kensington Oval pitch. Together, the team’s blend of power, experience, and youthful vigor looks set to mount a robust challenge against England in the T20 series.

West Indies squad for the first two T20Is against England

Rovman Powell (C), Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Terrance Hinds, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd

Also WATCH: Alzarri Joseph leaves field in anger after disagreement with captain Shai Hope in 3rd ODI – WI vs ENG

For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.