Russell in, Hetmyer out of West Indies T20I squad

The Cricket West Indies Selection Panel today named the 13-member squad for the first and second CG Insurance T20 Internationals (T20I) against South Africa.

The panel recalled Andre Russell, the talismanic all-rounder to the squad, as the defending T20 World Champions prepare for the matches which will be played at the Grenada National Stadium on Saturday and Sunday. The first ball daily is 2 pm (1 pm Jamaica Time).

One of the notable omissions is that of batsmen Shimron Hetmyer, who was selected in the provisional 18-man squad. The others omitted are: Sheldon Cottrell, Oshane Thomas, Akeal Hosein and Hayden Walsh Jr.

Russell is a two-time T20 World Cup winner, having been a member of the squad which won the titles in 2012 and 2016. He has played 49 T20Is for the West Indies and his last appearance was against Sri Lanka in Pallekele in March last year.

Roger Harper, Lead Selector said: “Andre Russell will add that ‘X’ factor to the team. He is an impact player with both bat and ball and lends greater depth in both departments. The aim is to build on the performance against Sri Lanka earlier this year, to build confidence while determining our best squad and team as we run into the ICC T20 World Cup.”

Fully vaccinated fans will be able to buy tickets for the game from the stadium box office and ticket booths on presentation of their vaccination documentation and their national ID, with tickets available at EC$50 per match. (Modified CWI press release)