The Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced the men's senior squad for the T20I series against South Africa on Sunday, August 18. Star all-rounders Andre Russell and Jason Holder miss out on West Indies' 15-member squad for the three-match series starting on August 23 in Trinidad.
West Indies are set to play their first T20Is after their early exit at the T20 World Cup 2024 on June 23. There are no major changes to the team as the management looks to continue with the same group of players. Miles Bascombe, Director of CWI, revealed that the board accepted both Russell and Holder's request for a break.
“Andre Russell requested a period of rest and recovery as well as Jason Holder who played five back-to-back five Tests against England and South Africa," Miles said. "During this period, they will work closely with the CWI science and medicine team.”
Team head coach Daren Sammy said he is confident in the selected players and they are building their team for the next T20 World Cup in 2026.
'Facing a strong South Africa side is an excellent opportunity for our team to reset and refocus on our game plan," Daren Sammy said. "We have played them recently and had mixed results, so this should be an exciting and important series. I’m confident in the squad we’ve selected, and with eyes already on the next T20 World Cup in 2026, I know the guys will be keen to show their hunger for success.'
After losing the two-match Test series, the hosts will be looking to conclude the T20Is on a positive note. South Africa famously ended West Indies' campaign in the T20 World Cup 2024 but missed out on their senior cricketers for the T20I series.
West Indies T20I squads vs South Africa:
Rovman Powell (Captain), Roston Chase (Vice-Captain), Alick Athanaze, Johnson Charles, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Fabian Allen, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Obed McCoy, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas Pooran, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd.
West Indies vs South Africa T20I fixtures:
- 23 August - 1st T20I, West Indies v South Africa at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy
- 25 August - 2nd T20I West Indies v South Africa at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy
- 27 August - 3rd T20I West Indies v South Africa at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy
