(Cricket News) Russell, who is considered a short form great of the game after taking over 400 wickets with the ball and around 8000 runs at a strike rate of 167 in T20 events, last appeared for the West Indies in 2021 in the T20 World Cup in the UAE and Oman.
The West Indies won the T20I series 3-2 when they visited India in August, but Johnson Charles, Obed McCoy, Odean Smith, and Oshane Thomas—all of whom played in the successful series—miss out.
Matthew Forde, who has excelled in the recent ODI series against the English in addition to success in recent domestic T20 seasons, has also earned a call-up. Sherfane Rutherford has also earned a call-up.
Leading selector Desmond Haynes discussed the squad’s makeup, saying that the series is a great opportunity to prepare for the T20 World Cup, which they will co-host with the USA.
“We have selected a squad that we think gives us the best chance of success in that tournament,” he said.
“We will continue to assess in the lead up to the competition.” Before the fourth and fifth T20Is, which will be held in Trinidad on December 19 and 21, changes to the squad may be made.
West Indies squad: Rovman Powell (Captain), Shai Hope (Vice-Captain), Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd.
See more: India vs South Africa 1st T20I: Rain forces match cancellation.
