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Days before the start of the limited-overs series against Australia at home, West Indies' lead selector Roger Harper has claimed that playing in familiar conditions would bring out the best in each player and consequently the series would be competed at a much higher standard.
Harpers' remark came after Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced a 15-member squad for the forthcoming ODI series against Australia. The squad witnesses the return of Shimron Hetmyer, Sheldon Cottrell and Roston Chase, all of whom missed the Sri Lanka series earlier this year after failing to clear the mandatory fitness tests.
Meanwhile, Kyle Mayers and Kevin Sinclair, both of whom were part of the squad for the Sri Lanka assignment, failed to retain their places. While Mayers will be plying his trade with Birmingham Bears in the ongoing T20 Blast competition, Sinclair was overlooked despite showing his potential in the South Africa T20Is.
Every game and every point counts: Harper
"This squad is coming off a comprehensive series win against Sri Lanka which should boost their confidence going into what is expected to be a tougher contest against Australia," lead selector Roger Harper said.
"Playing in familiar home conditions, hopefully, will bring out the best in each player thereby enabling the team to perform at a consistently high standard. This ODI series against Australia is part of the ICC Cricket World Cup qualification process where every game and every point counts, so it is very important," he added.
Notably, the three ODIs will follow the five T20Is which will be played from July 20 to July 24.
West Indies squad for Australia ODIs:
Kieron Pollard (c), Shai Hope (vc), Fabian Allen, Darren Bravo, Roston Chase, Sheldon Cottrell, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Jason Mohammed, Anderson Philip, Nicholas Pooran, Romario Shepherd