West Indies cricket board announced their 15-man squad for the world cup as hard hitting Andre Russell was included in the squad. The Jamaican has just featured in one ODI since 2015 world cup which came in 2018 and his inclusion comes as a shock to many. The right handed batsman is currently plying his trade in the ongoing Indian Premier League where he has notched 392 runs in nine matches at a strike rate of 218.
All-rounder Jason Holder will continue to lead the side and will get the support from Chris Gayle, who will be playing his last world cup. Gayle will open the batting alongside Evis Lewis which makes them a more than formidable looking opening pair.
The middle order will be strengthened by the presence of Darren Bravo, Shai Hope and hard hitters like- Shimron Hetmyer, Nicholas Pooran. World class all-rounders like Russell, skipper Jason Holder and Carlos Brathwaite have the firepower to change the complexion of the game on their very own.
The pace bowling department includes the likes of Sheldon Cottrell, Shannon Gabriel, Kemar Roach and Oshane Thomas. Ashley Nurse is the lone spinner in the team.
Windies squad for 2019 world cup
Jason Holder (captain), Fabian Allen, Darren Bravo, Carlos Brathwaite, Sheldon Cottrell, Shannon Gabriel, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope (wk), Evin Lewis, Ashley Nurse, Nicholas Pooran, Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Oshane Thomas.
The missing names
Seasoned campaigners like Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine and Devendra Bishoo failed to make the squad. Young prodigies like Keemo Paul and Alzari Joseph also missed out from the squad. Paul is currently playing the ongoing IPL while Joseph was ruled out due to injury.
Sunil Ambris, John Campbell, Jonathan Carter, Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich and Raymon Reifer – are in the tri-series squad but have not made the cut for the World Cup. West Indies will play a tri-series against Bangladesh and Ireland from 5-13 May.
