Andre Russell Returns As West Indies Name Squad For Sri Lanka T20Is

West Indies, on Saturday, recalled allrounder Andre Russell to their 14-man T20I squad for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka. Along with Russell, fast-bowler Oshane Thomas has been recalled too. The pacer was recently involved in a serious car accident but escaped unscathed.

Hard-hitting middle-order batsman Shimron Hetmyer has been declared fit for the series too. Andre Russell hasn’t played for West Indies since pulling up short midway through the 2019 World Cup in June 2019 with a knee injury. However, he played in other competition with his last competitive appearance coming in the  Bangladesh Premier League in December and January.

On the other hand, Hetmyer, who is not part of the ODI squad completed a fitness assessment earlier in the week and successfully reached the minimum required standard for selection. Additionally, wicket-keeper/batsman Shai Hope has been included alongside left-arm spinner Fabian Allen.

“Shimron Hetmyer missed out on selection for the ODI squad. He has since attained the required fitness level, becoming available for selection and has been included. Andre Russell is back in the squad, having been cleared by the medical panel and successfully completing CWI’s return-to-play protocol. Andre will add potency to every department of the team. Oshane Thomas appears to be focused and raring to go. He will add pace and penetration to the bowling unit, said Cricket West Indies Lead Selector Roger Harper.

“Shai Hope provides an opening option and cover as a back-up wicket-keeper also. Fabian Allen returns from the injury he sustained in the series against Afghanistan late last year. He will provide a spin bowling option as well as adding depth to the batting group,” he added.

Both West Indies and Sri Lanka are currently involved in a three-match ODI series. Sri Lanka have taken the lead by winning the first game by one wicket on Saturday,  The two T20Is will be played at the Pallakele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy on Wednesday, March 4 and Friday, March 6.

West Indies squad:

Kieron Pollard (capt), Fabian Allen, Dwayne Bravo, Sheldon Cottrell, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Brandon King, Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Lendl Simmons, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr, Kesrick Williams.