Russell, Pooran among big guns to miss West Indies tour of Sri Lanka

West Indies have announced their squad for T20 International (T20I) and One-Day International (ODI) series against Sri Lanka, which will get underway from October 13 in Dambulla. Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Akeal Hosein and Andre Russell have opted out of the tour due to personal reasons. Rovman Powell will lead the T20I side, while Shai Hope will continue taking charge in ODIs. 

The 15-member T20I squad consists of a couple of uncapped players: Shamar Springer, a seam bowling all-rounder, who turned up for the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2024 and fast bowler Terrence Hinds, who played for Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR).

Head coach Daren Sammy believes that the T20Is give them an opportunity to test their depth. "The tour of Sri Lanka gives us a chance to test our depth and assess players in different situations, especially with several senior players missing out for various reasons, including a need for rest and rehabilitation from injury. We are confident in the squad’s ability to compete strongly against Sri Lanka," he said. 

Another uncapped player, Jewel Andrew, is also part of the side but has been picked only for the ODIs. “As we continue to build our ODI team, this tour offers a valuable opportunity to evaluate strategies and give opportunities to emerging talent. We are excited to see young players like Jewel Andrew, who has earned his place as an exciting prospect for the future," Sammy added.

The T20Is will be played in Dambulla on October 13, 15, and 17. The ODIs, on the other hand, will be played in Pallekele on October 20, 23, and 26.

West Indies T20I squad vs Sri Lanka: Rovman Powell (c), Roston Chase (vc), Fabian Allen, Alick Athanaze, Andre Fletcher, Terrance Hinds, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Shamar Springer

West Indies ODI squad vs Sri Lanka: Shai Hope (c), Alzarri Joseph (vc), Jewel Andrew, Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Hayden Walsh Jr.

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