West Indies Announce 2019 World Cup Squad

BY KAYLA KARIM

As the World Cup approaches teams are finalizing their rosters for the international tournament that is being held in England this summer. The West Indies were the final team remaining to choose their World Cup squad, which was announced on Wednesday, April 24^th, 2019.

The World Cup Squad includes:

Jason Holder (c), Andre Russell, Ashley Nurse, Carlos Brathwaite, Chris Gayle, Darren Bravo, Evin Lewis, Fabian Allen, Kemar Roach, Nicholas Pooran, Oshane Thomas, Shai Hope, Shannon Gabriel, Sheldon Cottrell, Shimron Hetmyer

Many players are taking the opportunity to prove their worth as they continue playing through the Indian Premier League, including Andre Russell.

Thirty-three-year-old Andre Russell who is currently playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the ongoing IPL was named in the 15-man preliminary squad for the West Indies. Russell has been remarkable so far in the IPL tournament averaging 65.33 with a strike rate of 217.77. The last time he played ODI cricket was in July of 2018 before injuries sidelined him in February earlier this year.

Alongside Andre Russell, fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell and Shannon Gabriel also received call-ups after missing the West Indie’s last ODI series against England. The 15-man team will be led by Jason Holder, who has been given the responsibility to captain the team yet again after doing so for the past few years. And with no surprise, Chris Gayle has also made it to the lineup.

Opening batsman Chris Gayle is showing off his talent for the Kings XI Punjab in the IPL where teammates are admiring his dominating style of play. Gayle set up another successful chase at the Chinnaswamy Stadium this past Saturday. Fellow West Indies teammate, Nicholas Pooran added to the much-needed win for Kings XI Punjab with a 28-ball 46 (1×4, 5×6) however the group could not solidify the victory falling fifth below Sunriers Hyderabad on 10 points from 11 matches.

Fans can expect to see young batsmen Nicholas Pooran at the World Cup, alongside Shimron Hetmyer. These two very talented players were also included for the much-anticipated tournament. Unfortunately, all-round, Kieron Pollard was one of those that were left out and will not be representing West Indies for the 2019 World Cup.

The club has the opportunity to modify their squad until May 23^rd however Director of Cricket, Jimmy Adams gave the impression that there were no plans to do so. He stated, “I hope no one gets injured, but this squad is for the World Cup in England,”. The Windies won both of their World Cup trophies in England in 1975 and 1979, will begin their campaign against Pakistan at Trent Bridge on May 31^st, 2019.