West Indies name squad for England as preparations begin for 2027 World Cup

Wednesday, 22 November 2023 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Shai Hope

West Indies’ preparations for the next ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup has begun as the Caribbean side named a 15-player squad for next month’s ODI series at home against England.

The two-time World Cup winners failed to qualify for the recently concluded 50-over showcase in India and will be keen to atone when the next tournament is held in South Africa and Namibia in 2027.

Chief selector and former opener Desmond Haynes indicated the West Indies were focused on rebuilding to make an impact at the next World Cup and their squad selection backs up this premise as they included a handful of surprise choices among their playing group that will take on England.

Shai Hope remains as captain with fast bowler Alzarri Joseph promoted to vice-captain, while veteran quick Jason Holder and white-ball specialist Nicholas Pooran are sidelined as they prepare for Test campaigns and next year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup respectively.

It paves the way for uncapped all-rounders Sherfane Rutherford and Matthew Forde to earn a place in the squad, while Shane Dowrich and Kjorn Ottley are also included.

Haynes is looking forward to welcoming England to the Caribbean, with the first of three matches in the series to commence in Antigua on 3 December.

“England on tour of the West Indies is always filled with excitement and expectation,” Haynes said.

“We expect this to be a hard-fought series, but we also believe this squad will do well in our home conditions. We have a clear vision. We are focused on building a solid team. Our main focus is to rebuild for success at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027.”

The West Indies will prepare for the England series with a camp in Antigua over the coming days and new coach Daren Sammy is hoping the time spent together as teammates will help his side immensely.

“Everyone is fully aware of what is required as we prepare to face England on our home soil,” Sammy said.

“The camp will be detailed and based on specifics that we have identified will be required if we are to be successful at the international level. We will have high-intensity, purposeful training sessions and everything that we do will be geared towards improving and winning.

“I believe in preparation. I believe when you prepare well you give yourself the best chance of winning. When you do the hard work, the right kind of work, when you fine-tune your skills that will add value to your game.”

West Indies squad: Shai Hope (c), Alzarri Joseph (vc), Alick Athanaze, Yannic Cariah, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Kjorn Ottley, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Oshane Thomas.