West Indies Make Key Changes Ahead of T20I

Alzarri Joseph has returned to the West Indies squad for the final three T20Is against England after serving a two-match suspension. However, the hosts face a setback with star all-rounder Andre Russell ruled out due to a left ankle sprain.

These changes come as the West Indies trail 2-0 in the series and prepare for a do-or-die encounter in St. Lucia on Thursday. Joseph replaces Shamar Joseph in the squad, while seam-bowling all-rounder Shamar Springer steps in for the injured Russell. With the series on the line, the hosts must secure a victory to stay in contention.

Alzarri’s suspension followed an incident in the third ODI against England, where he left the field without permission, leaving his team a player short. After publicly apologising and expressing remorse to ODI captain Shai Hope, his recall was both anticipated and crucial given the team’s current struggles.

Captain Rovman Powell has found it challenging to contain England’s aggressive batting lineup, led by Jos Buttler. England comfortably chased targets of 159 and 183 in the first two matches, losing just five wickets across both games in Barbados. Although the toss didn’t favour the West Indies, their bowling attack lacked potency, leaving Powell with limited tools to counter England’s dominance.

The inclusion of Springer provides Powell with additional bowling options as he seeks to find the right combination. Springer, who debuted against Sri Lanka last month, has delivered consistent figures of 1 for 25 and 1 for 24 in his two T20I appearances, showing promise in a challenging series.

Russell’s absence was felt during the first T20I, and his replacement Terrance Hinds struggled to make an impact in the second match. Hinds endured a difficult debut, scoring just five runs at No. 11 and conceding 24 runs in his two wicketless overs.

With the series on the brink, the West Indies will rely on contributions from their reshuffled squad, including experienced players like Shimron Hetmyer, Nicholas Pooran, and Brandon King, to turn the tide in their favour. The remaining matches in St. Lucia will test the team’s resilience and ability to adapt under pressure.

West Indies T20I Squad: Rovman Powell (captain), Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Terrance Hinds, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas Pooran, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Shamar Springer.