West Indies left out Shimron Hetmyer and Evin Lewis on fitness grounds from their 15-member squad for the upcoming ODI series in Sri Lanka. Darren Bravo has been recalled into the squad along with Rovman Powell and Fabian Allen, the latter having fully recovered from the leg injury he sustained in India late last year.
Pollard, Bravo, openers seal series stalemate
Full squad: Kieron Pollard (C), Fabian Allen, Sunil Ambris, Darren Bravo, Roston Chase, Sheldon Cottrell, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Keemo Paul, Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell, Romario Shepherd, Hayden Walsh Jnr.
“Evin Lewis and Shimron Hetmyer missed out due to the fact that they came up short in the fitness test,” Roger Harper, CWI’s Lead Selector said. “They will be missed, Lewis was the team’s best batsman in the recent Colonial Medical Insurance ODI Series against Ireland where he batted with great composure and proved the bedrock for the team’s series win. Hetmyer appeared to be getting his act together and was an integral part of the team’s batting group.”
Windies to tour Sri Lanka in February
Harper also said that the side is looking to build on its recent performances in India, where they beat Afghanistan 3-0 and went down 2-1 fighting against India.
“Sri Lanka are a very good team in their own conditions. I do not expect it to be easy but our team has shown that it is very capable. These are the series we will have to win in order to move up the rankings.
“Darren Bravo and Rovman Powell owe their recall to their outstanding performance in the recent Colonial Medical Super50 tournament. Bravo brings good form, a renewed appetite for runs and lots of experience which will benefit the team tremendously. Powell, who is back from injury, will add batting firepower to the lineup, increase the team’s bowling options and strengthen the fielding unit,” Harper added.
The West Indies squad will depart for Sri Lanka on Saturday (February 8) and have a pre-series camp in Colombo before they face the hosts in three ODIs, beginning February 22. The ODI leg will be followed by two T20Is, the squad for which will be named later.
© Cricbuzz
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