West Indies make last minute changes to T20 squad for England series

In the biggest setback for West Indies fans, swashbuckling all-rounder Andre Russell has been ruled out of the remainder of the ongoing five-match T20I series against England at home due to an ankle injury.

After a left ankle injury forced him to miss the second T20I match, Andre Russell’s hopes of a swift return were dashed, leaving WI to look for his replacement in their lineup for the remaining T20Is against England.

Andre Russell’s recent social media updates hinted at recovery struggles, and the Cricket West Indies (CWI) has officially confirmed his exit from the ongoing five-match T20I series against England at home.

Alzarri Joseph returns post suspension, Andre Russell out of T20I series against England

Cricket West Indies (CWI) on Wednesday (November 13) announced the squad for the last three matches of the ongoing T20I series against England. The West Indies have drafted in the talented Barbadian all-rounder Shamar Springer as Andre Russell’s replacement in the T20I squad for the England series.

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Springer recently made an impressive debut in Sri Lanka, and now the young talent has another chance to rise to the occasion against the tough opponent England. Meanwhile, West Indies’ fiery pacer Alzarri Joseph returns after completing a suspension following a heated on-field exchange with ODI captain Shai Hope.

Alzarri Joseph was handed a two-match ban for his unprofessional behavior in the final ODI, but the timing of his comeback couldn’t be more perfect. He replaces Shamar Joseph in the T20I squad for the final leg of the home series.

Shamar Springer in, Shamar Joseph out for England T20Is: CWI

Cricket West Indies (CWI) said in an official statement: “As the series moves to Saint Lucia, experienced all-rounder Andre Russell has been ruled out due to a left ankle sprain sustained during the opening T20I at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on Saturday.

In his place, all-rounder Shamar Springer, fresh off two T20I games against Sri Lanka, will join the squad. Alzarri Joseph, having completed his two-match suspension, will rejoin the squad in Saint Lucia for the crucial final leg of the series, replacing Shamar Joseph.”

West Indies squad for last three T20I matches against England:

Rovman Powell (C), Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Terrance Hinds, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Nicholas Pooran, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, and Shamar Springer.

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England’s dominant performance in Barbados has given them a commanding 2-0 lead in the ongoing five-match T20I series, putting WI in a do-or-die situation for the remaining three games.

The third match is scheduled for November 14 at the Daren Sammy Stadium in St Lucia, where the final two T20Is will also be held on November 16 and 17, and the West Indies must be hoping for a strong comeback.

Reece Topley hit with a fine after an emotional reaction to a knee Injury

On the other hand, England pacer Reece Topley has been fined 15 percent of his match fee by the ICC after venting his frustration on a chair following yet another injury setback during the first T20I against WI in Barbados.

The 30-year-old fast bowler injured his right knee mid-delivery and, despite attempting to push through after a brief rain break, had to leave the field and didn’t take further part in the match.