West Indies have turned to sense with the recall on Tuesday of veteran duo Sunil Narine and Kieron Pollard for the first two T20s upon India next month.
Bursting hitter Pollard was left out of the West Indies team for the recent 50-over World Cup and performed his last T20 in India last November.
Spinner Narine’s last exhibition in a T20I for West Indies came against England nearly two years ago at Chester-le-Street. He opted out of the 50-over World Cup because of a finger fracture.
“We felt that players like Narine and Pollard, who have played well in T20 leagues around the world, once they are fit and mentally ready to play, we must allow them to represent the West Indies again,” stated the interim chairman of selectors, Robert Haynes.
Wicketkeeper/batsman Anthony Bramble, who will understudy Nicholas Pooran, is the only newcomer in the 14-member squad which is captained by Carlos Brathwaite.
Andre Russell, who is still recuperating from a knee injury that saw him leave the World Cup early, also returns.
“This squad is an excellent balance of experience and youth,” said Haynes.
“It’s not just about the present — the India tour of the West Indies — but we are also looking at the T20 World Cup coming up next year and it is important that we find the right combination of players and the right formula for defending our title.”
Veteran opening batsman Chris Gayle has chosen to play in the Canada GT20 instead, his position at the top of the order going to left-hander John Campbell.
The first two T20s against India will take place on August 3 and 4 at the Broward County Stadium in Lauderhill, Florida, with the third to be held in Guyana.
The two teams will also contest three ODIs and two Tests.
West Indies: Carlos Brathwaite (capt), Anthony Bramble (wk), John Campbell, Sheldon Cottrell, Shimron Hetmyer, Evin Lewis, Sunil Narine, Keemo Paul, Khary Pierre, Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Oshane Thomas
