The West Indies cricket team has announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming home ODI series against Sri Lanka. The three-match ODI series will be played at Sabina Park from June 3 to June 8, with Shai Hope leading the home side.
Several key players have returned to the squad. Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has been recalled to the ODI team for the first time since last year’s tour of Australia after recovering from a hamstring injury. Spinner Gudakesh Motie has also returned after missing the tour of New Zealand.
Fast bowlers Shamar Joseph and Jediah Blades Sales are also included in the squad. However, the West Indies management has indicated that the workloads of these fast bowlers will be carefully managed throughout the series.
The squad comprises: Shai Hope (captain), Akeem Auguste, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Shimron Hetmyer, Amir Jangoo, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Jaden Sales, and Shamar Springer.
Head coach Daren Sammy said that Sri Lanka is a strong and talented ODI team. He emphasised that the West Indies will need to show discipline, improve their fielding, bat responsibly, and bowl consistently to succeed in the series.
Sammy also expressed his determination to make home conditions a major strength for the West Indies in ODI cricket. The first ODI will be played on June 3, the second on June 6, and the final match on June 8.
The series is particularly important for the West Indies’ campaign to secure direct qualification for the ICC Cricket World Cup. Currently ranked 10th in the ODI rankings, the West Indies remain outside the direct qualification places and will be eager to improve their position.
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