Several key players miss out as West Indies announces squad for the T20I series against Bangladesh

Dec 13, 2024

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West Indies

West Indies have unveiled their 16-player squad for the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, set to commence on December 15 in St. Vincent. While the squad boasts experienced campaigners and fresh talent, the absence of key players Shai Hope, Sherfane Rutherford and Akeal Hosein (for the last game) due to Big Bash League (BBL) 2024 commitments has raised eyebrows.

BBL 2024 commitments impact squad composition

Hope (Hobart Hurricanes) and Rutherford (Sydney Thunder) will skip the entire series as they fulfill their domestic duties in Australia. Hosein, representing the Sydney Sixers, will also be unavailable for the third T20I due to BBL obligations. These absences, particularly of players with consistent performances in T20 cricket, create a void in the lineup. However, the selectors have placed their faith in the squad’s depth, appointing Rovman Powell as captain once again.

Notable inclusions in West Indies’ T20I team

The squad sees the return of seasoned batter Johnson Charles, who missed recent series due to injuries. Charles’ inclusion brings stability to the top order and much-needed experience. Meanwhile, Keacy Carty earns his maiden T20I call-up after an impressive run in the ODI series against Bangladesh and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Carty showcased his talent with consistent scores, including 95 in the ODI series decider in St. Kitts, demonstrating his readiness for international T20 cricket.

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T20I series schedule against Bangladesh

The West Indies will aim to continue their dominance in the shorter formats while keeping an eye on building a robust squad for future challenges. With a mix of experienced players and promising newcomers, this series provides an opportunity for the team to showcase its depth and resilience despite the absence of star performers.

The three T20Is between West Indies and Bangladesh will be played entirely in St. Vincent, with matches scheduled on December 15, 17, and 19. This series follows a mixed campaign for the hosts, as they drew the two-match Test series 1-1 but dominated the ODIs with a 3-0 clean sweep.

West Indies coach Daren Sammy emphasized the importance of balancing immediate goals with long-term planning for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Sammy expressed confidence in the squad’s ability to compete against Bangladesh and highlighted Carty’s potential to make an instant impact in the shortest format. Sammy also noted that this squad represents a more settled unit with the right blend of experience and youth, capable of delivering championship performances.

“He has shown us that he could be a batter in that format, and playing against Bangladesh, a team we cannot take for granted, we need all hands on deck. The squad was carefully selected with the players available to us, and I believe this is our most settled squad with the experience needed to win championships,” Sammy was quoted as saying by the Windies Cricket.