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The West Indies Cricket Board on Wednesday evening announced the squad for three-match ODI series against India. While Kieron Pollard has been handed the leadership role for the tour, three names have got a recall to the white-ball setup. Kemar Roach, Nkrumah Bonner, and Brandon King have been brought back to the ODI squad for the series against India.
While Roach has been out for almost three years from ODIs, Bonner and King have got very few opportunities in the 50-over format. Bonner made his ODI debut in Bangladesh a year ago and has so far played only three matches, while King has so far played four matches in this format. So, it's intriguing to see them included in the squad.
Cricket West Indies (CWI) Lead Selector, Desmond Haynes explained the motive behind including these three players in the ODI squad. Haynes expects Roach to deliver a wicket upfront while Bonner has been given an opportunity for his regular performances in other formats. "Kemar Roach is one of our leading fast bowlers and we believe we need bowlers upfront to get an early wicket, and Kemar, with an economy rate of five, is certainly good enough to play. Over the last few years, Nkrumah Bonner’s cricket has come on leaps and bounds and we believe he should be given an opportunity to play in the 50-over format," said Desmond Haynes.
We are looking at the tour as preparations for 2023 WC: Haynes
West Indies will be touring India from 6-20 February for six white-ball games starting with the ODIs. The three ODIs will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on February 6, 9, and 11. The three ODIs are part of the ICC ODI Super League and the West Indies are trying to avoid playing qualifiers and gain automatic qualification for the 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.
Desmond Haynes also said that they are looking at this tour to India as a part of the preparations for the mega event which will be hosted in the country. 'The team we have selected is a very good side and we are looking at this tour as part of the preparations for the World Cup in India in 2023," said Haynes.
West Indies ODI squad: Kieron Pollard (C), Fabian Allen, Nkrumah Bonner, Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Alzaari Joseph, Brandon King, Nicholas Pooran, Kemar Roach, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Hayden Walsh Jr.