West Indies Rest Russell And Holder For South Africa T20I Series
Rovman Powell to lead West Indies; Russell and Holder chose to rest
Andre Russell and Jason Holder have been notably left out of the West Indies squad for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa, which begins at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy on August 24. In their absence, Rovman Powell will lead the team, with Roston Chase serving as vice-captain.
The decision to rest Russell and Holder aligns with West Indies’ strategy for managing player workloads. Russell, who was part of the team during the T20 World Cup, requested a break to focus on his recovery. The management granted his request, ensuring he returns fully rejuvenated for future commitments.
Holder, a regular in the West Indies Test team, recently participated in a demanding five-match series against England and South Africa. Given the intensity of the schedule, the board decided to rest him to allow for recovery before his return to the squad. Both players will work closely with the West Indies’ science and medical team during their break to optimize their recovery.
The selected squad features a blend of emerging talent and experienced players, including Alick Athanaze, Shimron Hetmyer, and Nicholas Pooran, among others. This series presents a crucial opportunity for these players to showcase their skills on the international stage.
West Indies T20I Squad:
Rovman Powell (c), Roston Chase (vc), 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.
The three-match series against South Africa will be held exclusively at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, with matches on August 23, 25, and 27. The West Indies team aims to build momentum and make a strong impression ahead of upcoming international competitions.