West Indies Announces Squads for Australia Tour with Debutants and Returning Players

The West Indies have unveiled their 15-man squads for the upcoming three-match ODI and T20I series against Australia scheduled from February 2 to 13. Among the notable inclusions is Teddy Bishop, a promising graduate from the 2022 U19 World Cup, and Tevin Imlach, a wicketkeeper-batter who stays on after the Test series.

Bishop’s selection is a result of his impressive performance in the West Indies 50-over competition, while Imlach will extend his stay in Australia after the Test series. The ODI squad also marks the return of Justin Greaves from injury, with Hayden Walsh Jr and Kavem Hodge making comebacks. However, Brandon King and Sherfane Rutherford are unavailable, and Shimron Hetmyer and Yannic Carriah have been left out.

The West Indies, buoyed by their recent series wins against England in both T20Is and ODIs, aim to carry forward their momentum in Australia. Lead selector Desmond Haynes emphasized the team’s competitiveness, especially with new inclusions and returning players.

Haynes stated, “On the back of a series win against England, we are expecting our ODI team to be very competitive in Australia. For the T20I series, this forms part of our crucial preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup where we are hosts.”

The ODI squad comprises Shai Hope (Captain), Alzarri Joseph, Teddy Bishop, Tevin Imlach, and others. Rovman Powell will captain the T20I squad, which includes players like Andre Russell and Nicholas Pooran.

Before the white-ball series, the teams faced off in two Test matches as part of the World Test Championship from January 17.

The absence of Brandon King and Sherfane Rutherford raises questions about the squad’s balance and depth for the challenging Australia tour.