By Romario Samaroo
West Indies batsman Shimron Hetmyer has retained his place in the West Indies One Day International (ODI) squad which recently faced New Zealand, and Devindra Bishoo, his fellow Berbician makes a return to the ODI format, as the only Guyanese selected for the upcoming ICC World Cup Qualifiers to be held in Zimbabwe in March.
These young talents were listed as part of the 15 member squad which was announced yesterday by the selection panel of Cricket West Indies.
Chairman of the panel, Courtney Browne said “We are pleased to announce a squad that has a combination of experience and youth. Given the importance of the West Indies qualifying for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, we thought it was important that we chose players who brought not only skills but experience to the table, combined with younger players who had performed creditably on the international scene.”
Jason Holder returns to the lead the side which has a mix of experience and vigour, with the likes of Chris Gayle, Kemar Roach and Marlon Samuels all in the squad. Jason Mohammed will serve as Holder’s deputy.
“We contacted some of our well-known senior cricketers to ascertain their availability for the tournament and we are pleased that Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels have indicated their full support and commitment to the cause,” Browne stated.
However Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, Darren Bravo and Andre Russell indicated that they were unavailable for selection.
Browne added, “We expect this squad under the able leadership of Jason Holder, supported by a core group of senior players to achieve this goal. Of course, Head Coach Stuart Law and his staff will provide all the support and guidance necessary. We wish the team well and look forward to a successful campaign.”
The ICC World Cup qualifiers will be played from March 4 to 25. The Windies have been placed in Group A alongside Ireland, The Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, and the ICC World Cricket League Division 2 winners.
West Indies ODI squad: Jason Holder (captain), Jason Mohammed (vice-captain), Devendra Bishoo, Carlos Brathwaite, Sheldon Cotterell, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Evin Lewis, Nikita Miller, Ashley Nurse, Rovman Powell, Kemar Roach, Marlon Samuels, Kesrick Williams
WINDIES ICC World Cup Qualifiers Schedule:
Tuesday, March 6: v WCL Division 2 winners at Old Hararians
Thursday, 8 March – v Papua New Guinea at Old Hararians
Saturday, 10 March – v Ireland at Harare Sports Club
Monday, 12 March – v Netherlands at Harare Sports Club
Thursday, March 15 to Friday, March 23: Super Six stage
Sunday, March 25: FINAL at Harare Sports Club
