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West Indies have announced their squad for the forthcoming limited-overs tour of Pakistan. The series will see the Men from the Caribbean play three One Day Internationals as well as three T20Is against their Asian opponent. The fixtures will be staged from December 13 to December 22- all of them at the National Stadium in Karachi.
For the record, the three-match ODI series is set to be part of the ICC Men's ODI Super League. The ODI bilateral series will be the fourth out of the 12 they are scheduled to play in the Super League which will decide the fate of their qualification for the ODI World Cup. Notably, the top seven teams in the Super League are guaranteed an automated berth in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 to be hosted by India.
The West Indies selection panel have handed maiden national call-ups to several of their players. While the ODI squad witnesses the inclusion of names like Justin Greaves, Shamarh Brooks, Gudakesh Motie and Odean Smith, Smith and Motie have also been named in the T20I squad for the first time along with Dominic Drakes.
Meanwhile, Evin Lewis, Shimron Hetmyer, Andre Russell and Lendl Simmons are unavailable due to personal reasons while Jason Holder is being rested for this tour due to workload management.
"There are a number of talented newcomers in each format that will have the opportunity to show what they are capable of at the international level. Justin Greaves is a very talented player, had a good CG Insurance Super50 tournament and performed well in the President’s XI match against Ireland in 2020," Lead Selector Roger Harper stated as per an official release.
Check out the official announcement:
"Odean Smith really grabbed our attention in the last CPL. His pace was never in question, however he has added greater control and has displayed the ability to be a wicket-taker," he added.
"Shamarh Brooks batted well in the CG Insurance Super50 Cup and followed that up with good performances in the CPL. He will lend greater depth to the batting line-up. Gudakesh Motie has been rewarded for his outstanding performance in the CG Insurance Super50, followed up by his showing in the CPL. Dominic Drakes has the potential to be an outstanding all-rounder as he displayed during the last CPL," Harper added.
The West Indies were disappointing in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup and will look to bounce back and put up an improved show against Pakistan who had a great run in the world event, coming to an end with a defeat against eventual champions Australia in the final.
West Indies ODI squad for Pakistan series:
Kieron Pollard (c), Shai Hope, Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Anderson Phillip, Nicholas Pooran, Raymon Reifer, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Hayden Walsh Jr.
West Indies T20I squad for Pakistan series:
Kieron Pollard (c), Nicholas Pooran, Darren Bravo, Roston Chase, Sheldon Cottrell, Dominic Drakes, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr