Pooran, Russell among big guns to return for England T20Is

Nicholas Pooran and Andre Russell are among the big guns who will return for the first two T20 Internationals (T20I) against England, Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced on November 8 (Friday). Akeal Hosein and Shimron Hetmyer, too, are back. The four players missed the side's previous T20I encounters in Sri Lanka due to personal reasons.

For now, they have been included for the first two T20Is in Barbados on November 9 (Saturday) and November 10 (Sunday).

Alick Athanaze, Andre Fletcher, Fabian Allen and Shamar Springer miss out, while uncapped Terrance Hinds hangs on to his place. Pacer Matthew Forde has been included as a cover for Alzarri Joseph, who has been suspended by CWI on disciplinary grounds.

Moreover, Romario Shepherd is fit enough to be included despite walking off the field due to cramps in the middle of his over. "The T20 team is our most settled team with lots of experienced players," West Indies head coach Daren Sammy said. 

"However, the difficulty will be picking the XI, as every single player is challenging for a spot. As we face a very good England team, I am confident that the selected squad will continue to play a brand of cricket that allows us to win games and this 'Rivalry' series."

After the Barbados leg, the final three T20Is will be played in St Lucia on November 14, 16 and 17.

West Indies T20I squad vs England (first two matches): Rovman Powell (c), Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Terrance Hinds, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd

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