Paul, Motie and Shepherd get nod for white-ball matches

Cricket West Indies Selection Panel on Tuesday announced the West Indies Men’s squad for the upcoming three-match T20 International Series and the three-match CG United One-Day International Series against Bangladesh.

Guyanese Keemo Paul has been selected to both squads while Romario Shepherd is in the T20I and Gudakesh Motie in the 50-over squad.

Rovman Powell has been announced as the new Vice Captain for the T20Is while left-arm fast bowler Obed McCoy returns after recovering from injuries.

There are also recalls for experienced wicket-keeper batter Devon Thomas and all-rounder, Paul. In the CG United ODI Series squad, there is a call-up for left-arm spinner Motie.

Lead Selectors the Most Honorable Dr Desmond Hayne said: “We know Rovman’s history. He has captained the West Indies before and is also the captain of his CPL franchise. Our role is to look at future leaders as well and we have identified a few, including himself, who we will be putting programmes around to ensure we keep them involved in that aspect of the cricket.”

“Thomas is a very versatile cricketer, who has been knocking on the door in all formats. He has been doing well in franchise cricket and with that level of talent, we must ensure we keep him interested. He brings a lot to the table and is basically a four-dimensional player, he can bat, bowl, he is brilliant in the field, and he can keep wicket as well.

McCoy has done exceptionally well in the IPL and enjoyed a successful stint in England as well, so we are confident that he is back to his best in terms of playing and fitness,” Haynes added.

“Generally, we have to start looking at the bigger picture of getting these players playing together as often as possible in preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup later down in the year. We need to ensure we are fielding a very strong side for that tournament.”

The T20I Series opens with back-to-back matches on Saturday, 2 July and Sunday, 3 July at the Windsor Park in Dominica. This will see a return to international cricket at the fully refurbished venue, where international cricket is being hosted for the first time since the hurricane damage of 2017.

The Series climaxes with the third and final match on Tuesday, 7 July at the Guyana National Stadium.

The CG United ODI Series will be played at the Guyana National Stadium on Friday, 10 July, Monday 13 July and Thursday, 16 July.

Online ticket sales are now live via the new WINDIES TICKETS service, presented by Mastercard, at www.tickets.windiestickets.com.

Fans can purchase in advance without the need to travel to box offices to save tickets to their mobile phones which can then be presented for scanning at the stadium entrance. Fans who register for the WINDIES TICKETS service and purchase tickets will also receive offers and promotions for future games.

In Guyana, the prices will range from US$6 (GUY$1200) for the Mound/Grounds, to US$15 (GUY$3000) for the Orange Stand or US$25 (GUY$5000) for the best seats in the Red and Green Stands, as the fans in Guyana welcome the busiest “Summer of Cricket” to the South American mainland. (CWI)

Twenty20 International squad: Nicholas Pooran (Captain), Rovman Powell (Vice Captain), Shamarh Brooks, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Obed McCoy, Keemo Paul, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Devon Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr. Reserve: Dominic Drakes

One-Day International squad: Nicholas Pooran (Captain), Shai Hope (Vice Captain), Shamarh Brooks, Keacy Carty, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Anderson Phillip, Rovman Powell, Jayden Seales. Reserve: Romario Shepherd

MATCH SCHEDULE

July 2: 1st T20I – Windsor Park, Dominica. Local start time 1:30pm/12:30pm Jamaica

July 3: 2nd T20I – Windsor Park, Dominica Local start time 1:30 pm/12:30 pm Jamaica

July 7: 3rd T20I – Guyana Stadium, Guyana, Local start time 1:30 pm/12:30 pm Jamaica

CG United One-Day International Series

July 10: 1st CG United ODI – Guyana Stadium, Guyana. Local start time 9:30 am/8:30 am Jamaica

July 13: 2nd CG United ODI – Guyana Stadium, Guyana. Local start time 9:30 am/8:30 am Jamaica

July 16: 3rd CG United ODI – Guyana Stadium, Guyana. Local start time 9:30 am/8:30 am Jamaica