West Indies announce squad for white-ball series against Bangladesh, Obed McCoy returns

West Indies swatted aside Bangladesh in the two-match Test series as they completed a comprehensive 2-0 series victory against the visitors. The two teams will now turn their attention to the limited-overs format as they will engage in a three-match T20I series followed by a three-match ODI series, commencing on the 2nd of July. West Indies announced their squad for the white-ball leg of the series as  Obed McCoy makes his return to the national side.

McCoy was part of the Rajasthan Royals side in IPL 2022 which made it to the final of the tournament. The deceptive bowler also made a statement with an impressive stint in the ongoing T20 blast in England. The Caribbean side will hope that the pacer has put his injury woes behind him and is up for the task in the upcoming series.

Fabian Allen, Roston Chase, and Sheldon Cottrell didn’t make it into the squad as they are replaced by Shamarh Brooks, Alzarri Joseph, Keemo Paul, and Devon Thomas. Hard-hitting batter Rovman Powell has been handed the role of deputy to Nicholas Pooran in the T20Is. West Indies chief selector Desmond Haynes spoke about handing Powell the responsibility as they are eyeing future captains for the team.

“We know Rovman’s history. He has captained the West Indies before and is also the captain of his CPL franchise. Our role is to look at future leaders as well and we have identified a few, including him, who we will be putting through programmes to ensure we keep them involved in that aspect of cricket,” chief selector Desmond Haynes said.

T20I Squad: Nicholas Pooran (c), Rovman Powell (vc), Shamarh Brooks, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Obed McCoy, Keemo Paul, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Devon Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr. Reserve: Dominic Drakes (reserve player)

ODI Squad: Nicholas Pooran (c), Shai Hope (vc), Shamarh Brooks, Keacy Carty, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Anderson Phillip, Rovman Powell, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd (reserve player)

We need to ensure we are fielding a very strong side for T20 World Cup: Desmond Haynes

Haynes also spoke about the changes to the squad as they look to rebuild a new team with the T20 World Cup in their thoughts. He praised the youngsters that are coming into the team and is looking forward to seeing them play together.

“Generally, we have to start looking at the bigger picture of getting these players playing together as often as possible in preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup later in the year. We need to ensure we are fielding a very strong side for that tournament,” Haynes added.

Notably, Jason Holder has been rested for the series after the former skipper needed a break from cricket. Gudakesh Motie will be in line to make his ODI debut for the West Indies against the visitors.