ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Veteran all-rounders Jason Holder and Andre Russell have rested for the West Indies’ upcoming T20 series against South Africa, which bowls off on Friday.
Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced a 15-member squad on Sunday to face South Africa in three T20 internationals in Trinidad and Tobago.
While Rovman Powell was expected to be retained as captain, neither Holder nor Russell was named. Miles Bascombe, Director of Cricket at CWI, said a decision was taken to rest both players.
“Andre Russell requested a rest and recovery, as did Jason Holder, who played five back-to-back tests against England and South Africa.
“During this period, they will work closely with the CWI science and medicine team,” Bascombe revealed.
The West Indies have won four of their last five T20 series, and head coach Daren Sammy expected the team to do well.
‘Facing a strong South African side is an excellent opportunity for our team to reset and refocus on our game plan. We have played them recently and had mixed results, so this should be an exciting and essential series.
“I’m confident in the squad we’ve selected, and with eyes already on the next T20 World Cup in 2026, I know the guys will be keen to show their hunger for success,” Sammy said.
The West Indies have also made three changes to their T20 World Cup squad.
Left-arm spinner Fabian Allen, fast bowler Matthew Forde, and stylish batsman Alick Athanaze, who also participated in the just concluded Test series, have all been added.
Opener Brandon King, who was injured in the T20 World Cup, is also absent from the squad, along with pacer Alzarri Joseph, who was rested for the two-match Test series.
Roston Chase has been named as vice-captain for the series.
The West Indies, currently ranked fourth—one spot ahead of South Africa—will be looking for revenge after the Proteas defeated them at the Super 8 stage of the tournament before losing to India in the final.
SQUAD
WEST INDIES: Rovman Powell (captain), Roston Chase (vice-captain), Alick Athanaze, Johnson Charles, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Fabian Allen, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Obed McCoy, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas Pooran, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd.
Management: Daren Sammy (head coach), Rayon Griffith (assistant coach), Floyd Reifer (assisted coach), Ramesh Subasinghe (assistant coach), Denis Byam (physiotherapist), Ronald Rogers (strength and conditioning coach), Fitzbert Alleyne (team masseuse), Rawle Lewis (team manager). Avenesh Seetaram (team analyst).
MATCH SCHEDULE
August 23 – 1st T20I, West Indies v South Africa at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.
August 25 – 2nd T20I West Indies v South Africa at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.
August 27 – 3rd T20I West Indies v South Africa at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.
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