Experienced all-rounder Kieron Pollard has recovered from the injury which ruled him out of the Pakistan tour in December and is set to resume leadership duties with the white-ball series versus Ireland and England in January, 2022.
Pollard missed the tour of Pakistan, comprising three T20Is and three ODIs – which were later postponed due to COVID-19 outbreak – because of a hamstring injury that he picked up during the T20 World Cup in the United Arabic Emirates.
West Indies’ white-ball skipper will now reclaim his captaincy post for the fixtures against the two European rivals. The Calypso Kings will take on Ireland in three ODIs – all part of the ICC Super League – and a one-off T20I, before England arrives for five T20Is in what is another T20 World Cup year.
In Pollard’s absence, middle-order bat Nicholas Pooran had led the T20I side versus Pakistan, while Shai Hope was due to head the ODI touring contingent. The two cricketers have retained their posts in the leadership group but as deputy to Pollard in the two formats.
The selectors have mostly kept the core of the respective white-ball squads, with additional reserves appointed keeping in mind the travelling restrictions and health regulations amid the pandemic.
The selectors didn’t consider allrounder Fabian Allen for the Ireland series after he emerged as one of the positive tested individuals on the Pakistan tour.
Allen, however, will return in time for the England series. The think-tank has looked past injured pacer Obed McCoy but recalled Darren Bravo for the England T20Is.
ODI squad
Kieron Pollard (captain), Shai Hope (vice-captain), Shamarh Brooks, Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales, Nicholas Pooran, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Devon Thomas.
T20I squad
Kieron Pollard (captain), Nicholas Pooran (vice-captain), Fabian Allen (England T20Is only), Darren Bravo (England T20Is only), Roston Chase, Sheldon Cottrell, Dominic Drakes, Shai Hope, Akel Hosein, Jason Holder, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Rovman Powell, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Hayden Walsh Jr.
Uncapped pacer Keacy Carey and Sheldon Cottrell are Covid-19 reserves for the Ireland series and Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph, Devon Thomas are Covid-19 reserves for the England series.
The Ireland series will be played at the Sabina Park in Jamaica, with ODIs set to be held on January 8, 11 and 14 and the one-off T20I on January 16.
The England T20Is will be played at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on January 22, 23, 26, 29 and 30.
