ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Teenager Jewel Andrew and left-arm pacer Jediah Blades have each been named in a West Indies 16-member squad for the upcoming five-match T20I sequence towards Australia, which bowls off on Sunday.
The 18-year-old Andrew, who has featured in three ODIs, together with the 23-year-old Blades, who has performed in a solitary ODI, are the one two newcomers to the squad that just lately toured England and Scotland for 2 three-match T20I sequence.
Jewel Andrew
Andrew, a right-handed batsman, is seen as one of many area’s brightest prospects, whereas Blades, who made his worldwide debut towards Bangladesh in 2024, was one of many shining lights through the inaugural West Indies Breakout League.
The sequence will bowl off on Sunday in Sabina Park, Jamaica, which can even host the second match two days later.
Talking on the composition of the squad, head coach Daren Sammy mentioned the main focus stays on bettering West Indies’ rating and constructing in the direction of the T20I World Cup in India and Sri Lanka subsequent yr.
“Our objectives and strategic plans are aligned to profitable the T20 World Cup in 2026. We’ve got continuity within the squad from the earlier sequence, and as a unit, we are going to proceed to fine-tune our fashion and model forward of the World Cup.
“Our earlier two T20 sequence at dwelling we had been on the unsuitable finish of the outcomes, however beginning towards Australia, we wish to regain our kind at dwelling as we construct momentum into subsequent yr’s World Cup with our thrilling and dynamic group of gamers,” Sammy mentioned.
SQUAD
WEST INDIES: Shai Hope (captain), Jewel Andrew, Jediah Blades, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd.
