Ackeem Auguste, Jewel Andrew and Shamar Springer have returned to the West Indies T20 set-up for the three-match series against Sri Lanka at Sabina Park next week. Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph sits out under workload management guidelines.
The selectors have moved quickly after the World Cup in India, leaving out Johnson Charles, Quentin Sampson and Jayden Seales. All three had featured at the global tournament, but for now make way as the panel looks at younger legs and a different balance.
Auguste, 22, has nine T20 international appearances, Andrew – still only 19 – has five, while the 26-year-old Springer, more often labelled an all-rounder, has six caps. Shamar Joseph, who flew home during the recent ODI series for personal reasons, is due to re-join the squad in Kingston.
“This series is an important one for us as it’s our first since the World Cup in India, where the team played with passion, fight and the togetherness that West Indies cricket is built on,” head coach Daren Sammy said. “Our focus now is to build on those foundations, continue growing as a team and make our fans proud with the way we compete against Sri Lanka.”
The matches are scheduled for 11, 13 and 14 June, all under lights in Kingston, before both sides head to Antigua for two Tests. Sri Lanka pocketed the recent ODI campaign 1-0 after rain drowned out the last two games.
Squad at a glance
Shai Hope (capt)
Jewel Andrew
Ackeem Auguste
Roston Chase
Matthew Forde
Shimron Hetmyer
Jason Holder
Akeal Hosein
Shamar Joseph
Brandon King
Gudakesh Motie
Rovman Powell
Sherfane Rutherford
Romario Shepherd
Shamar Springer
Short-turnaround tours often test depth as much as star power. By resting Alzarri Joseph, the management keeps one eye on a heavy Test calendar while offering Andrew and Auguste a real chance to cement middle-order spots. Springer’s inclusion gives Sammy another seam-bowling option who can clear the ropes late. It is not quite a fresh start, but it feels like the first sketch of a new phase.
