West Indies call upon Kieron Pollard and Sunil Narine
WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - JANUARY 15: Sunil Narine of the West Indies appeals successfully for the wicket of Brendon McCullum of New Zealand during the game two of the Twenty20 series between New Zealand and the West Indies at Westpac Stadium on January 15, 2014 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)
West Indies have recalled all-rounder Kieron Pollard and spinner Sunil Narine for the first two T20 internationals against India.
Pollard, 32, made his last T20 appearance against India in November 2018 while Narine, 31, has not represented the West Indies in any format for 22 months since a T20 match against England at Chester-le-Street in 2017.
The recalls come after West Indies recently saw a change in governance with Ricky Skerritt taking over from Dave Cameron as president of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB).
Andre Russell is another notable inclusion in the 14-man squad with his spot in the line-up, dependent on him passing a fitness assessment.
Meanwhile, Guyanese wicket-keeper Anthony Bramble could be in line for his maiden international appearance after being selected as a back-up wicketkeeper to Nicholas Pooran.
Interim chairman of the CWI Selection Panel Robert Haynes highlighted his satisfaction at the squad put together for the opening two T20s
“This squad is an excellent balance of experience and youth,” Haynes said.
“It’s not just about the present 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.
“We have to make sure that we put certain things in place now, so that when it comes to picking the squad for the T20 World Cup, it becomes easier, so we are giving more players the opportunity to play and get the exposure.”
Haynes added that he felt it was important that once Narine and Pollard were ready to play for the West Indies it was important they were given an opportunity.
“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 give them the opportunity to represent the West Indies again.”
The first two T20 internationals between India and the West Indies are set to be played at Lauderhill, Florida on August 3 and 4. Meanwhile, the final T20 will take place at the Providence Stadium in Guyana on August 6.
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