As the West Indies prepare to face New Zealand in two Tests and Three T20 internationals, a number of familiar faces, missing from the tour of England earlier this year, are expected to return to the squad.
Not much cricket was played due to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic but fortunately, West Indies became the first Test team to travel in the post-Covid world as well as play the Caribbean Premier League. Both series are expected to be the basis of selection for the two sides.
Unlike the tour to England where an extended squad travelled, the mixture of the two formats will allow for a large touring party.
According to Chief Executive Officer of Cricket West Indies, Johnny Grave, the touring party will likely converge in Barbados and travel to London before stopping in the United Arab Emirates to pick up those players currently in the Indian Premier League.
Two spots are certain with Chief Selector, Roger Harper confirming that Jason Holder is still the skipper of the Test while Kieron Pollard is likely to continue to function as the leader in the limited overs format.
From the last Test tour, mainstays such as Kemar Roach and Shannon Gabriel are expected to retain their spots in the side along with Alzarri Joseph while off-spinner, Rahkeem Cornwall, all-rounder Roston Chase and wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich are also likely selections.
The headaches for the selectors will be the likely inclusions of Shimron Hetmyer, Keemo Paul and Darren Bravo who all opted out of the previous tour. As a result, Raymon Reifer, Nkrumah Bonner and Chemar Holder could face the chopping block.
Shai Hope and John Campbell’s poor form of recent could also see one of them or both losing their places in the 14-member side to make room for Shamarah Brooks, Kraigg Brathwaite and Jermaine Blackwood. However, if the squad is extended they could both feature.
Meanwhile with the CPL providing the basis there could be a possible 15-member squad, Lendl Simmons finished as the leading run getter with 356 runs while Bravo (297), Hetmyer (267), Nicholas Pooran (245) and Evin Lewis (235) also featured among the runs.
Johnson Charles and Andre Fletcher also made comebacks with decent outings with bat in hand, scoring 214 and 211 runs respectively.
Rovman Powell and Brandon King did not have the best outings at the Caribbean tournament and it will be interesting to see if West Indies selectors show their faith in them.
In the all-rounders’ department, a wealth of form could likely feature. Roston Chase who finished with 225 runs and nine wickets at an economy rate of 4.15 is expected to secure a place along with Andre Russell (222 runs and three wickets) and Jason Holder (192 runs and 10 wickets). They will provide support for the captain, Pollard who ended with 207 runs at a strike rate of 204 and eight wickets. Fabien Allen did not feature in the ‘Biggest Party in Sport’ but could make a return to the T20 side.
On the bowling front, Kesrick Williams led the way with 13 wickets while Dwayne Bravo and Sheldon Cottrell could retain their places after decent performances. Young fast bowler, Jayden Seales finished with eight wickets and was the talk of the tournament for new blood and could be rewarded with a spot in the side as well. Like Seales, left-arm orthodox Akeal Hosein performed well with 10 wickets and an economy rate of 5.5 which should be enough to secure a space in the side.
It would be difficult to find a place for Romario Shepherd, Oshane Thomas, Sherfane Rutherford, Hayden Walsh Jr. and Shai Hope who all had ordinary seasons while it is uncertain if Sunil Narine and Chris Gayle will be available.
Possible T20 Squad: Kieron Pollard, Akeal Hosain, Andre Russell, DJ Bravo, DM Bravo, Shimron Hetmyer, Nicholas Pooran, Roston Chase, Kesrick Williams, Jayden Seales, Sheldon Cottrell, Lendl Simmons, Fabien Allen, Evin Lewis, Jason Holder.
Possible Test Squad: Jason Holder, Kemar Roach, Shannon Gabriel, Darren Bravo, Shimron Hetmyer, Rahkeem Cornwall, Roston Chase, Keemo Paul, Alzarri Joseph, Kraigg Brathwaite, Jermaine Blackwood, Shamarah Brooks, Shane Dowrich, John Campbell/ Shai Hope
