Top Stars Benched as West Indies Unveil Squad to Take on South Africa

The West Indies have announced their 15-player roster for this week’s T20I series at home against South Africa.

The three-game series will provide much of their roster for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup with final preparations for next month’s event, with some of their stars set to face the Proteas.

Co-hosts West Indies announce T20 World Cup team.

Batter Brandon King will take over as captain, with usual captain Rovman Powell set to be rested, while frequent top-order players Shai Hope and Nicholas Pooran will also miss the matches to get some much-needed rest before the T20 World Cup begins.

Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph and important batsman Sherfane Rutherford will remain with their IPL teams for the playoffs and will only link up with their West Indies colleagues if their teams do not make it to the IPL final.

Chief selector Desmond Haynes believes the three-match series against South Africa will provide his players with opportunities to stake their claim for a place in the West Indies side for their T20 World Cup opener against Papua New Guinea on June 2.

“These are among the last competitive T20 International matches before the start of the World Cup,” Haynes said.

“Players have the opportunity to fine-tune their skills and ensure they are as prepared as they can be for the World Cup, whether they are in the final squad or reserve pool.”

West Indies coach Daren Sammy said the games will give his side the chance to work on their best combinations ahead of the ninth edition of the T20 World Cup.

“We have not played together as a team since the Australia series, but we just completed a very high-intensity training camp in Antigua,” Sammy said.

“Now we have the chance to integrate some of our players returning from the IPL and build some momentum as a group going into the World Cup.”

West Indies squad:

Brandon King (c), Roston Chase, Fabian Allen, Alick Athanaze, Johnson Charles, Andre Fletcher, Matthew Forde, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Obed McCoy, Gudakesh Motie, Romario Shepherd, Hayden Walsh Jr.