Windies recall Narine, Pollard for first two T20s versus India

St John’s: West Indies have turned to experience with the recall on Tuesday of veteran duo Sunil Narine and Kieron Pollard for the first two T20s against India next month.

Explosive hitter Pollard was left out of the West Indies team for the recent 50-over World Cup and played his last T20 in India last November.

Spinner Narine’s last appearance in a T20I for West Indies came against England almost two years ago at Chester-le-Street. He opted out of the 50-over World Cup because of a finger injury.

“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,” said 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.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Anthony Bramble, who has played 12 T20 games and 46 List A games, has earned a maiden call-up to the side that also includes Khary Pierre.

Also, with veteran opening batsman Chris Gayle having chosen to play in the Canada GT20, his place at the top of the order has been given to left-hander John Campbell.

Andre Russell, who is still recovering from a knee injury that saw him leave the World Cup early, also has been named in the 14-member squad, subject to him passing a fitness assessment prior to the series.

“This squad is an excellent balance of experience and youth,” said Haynes.

The first two T20s against India will take place on Aug.3 and 4 at the Broward County Stadium in Lauderhill, Florida, with the third to be held in Guyana.

The two sides will also contest three ODIs and two Tests.

Meanwhile, in the Virat Kohli-led Indian team announced on Sunday, while all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been rested, Jasprit Bumrah will only be available for the Tests. Meanwhile, Shikhar Dhawan, who has recovered completely after sustaining an injury on his thumb, returns. Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Washington Sundar, and Navdeep Saini are the new faces.

While Dinesh Karthik was left out, Bengal wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha, who has been included in the Test squad along with Rishabh Pant returns.

Agencies


West Indies squad: 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