West Indies have announced its player group for the highly anticipated Cricket World Cup Qualifier, scheduled to take place next month in Zimbabwe. In a surprising move, bowling all-rounder Keemo Paul has been given a chance to make his comeback to the One-Day International (ODI) side after a hiatus since July last year. Another notable inclusion in the squad is Gudakesh Motie, who showcased impressive performances during the West Indies’ Test tour in Zimbabwe earlier this year.
Keemo Paul could be a match winner
The West Indies team found themselves in the Qualifier after finishing in ninth place in the Cricket World Cup Super League, falling short by 10 points to South Africa, who secured the final automatic spot this week with favorable results. However, the lead West Indies selector, Desmond Haynes, believes that Keemo Paul’s versatile skills as an all-rounder could prove to be crucial for the team’s quest to qualify for the World Cup.
“Paul is a three-dimensional player, who can bowl the new ball effectively, he’s dynamic in the outfield and he can also make vital runs. We see him as a potential match-winner for us.”, Haynes said while announcing the squad.
West Indies give IPL participants liberty
To allow players participating in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) to recover before the Qualifier, Cricket West Indies has granted them an opportunity to rest and regain their form. Meanwhile, the members of the tournament squad who are not currently involved in the IPL will engage in preparations through a series of three ODIs against fellow competitors, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), in Sharjah.
As a contingency plan to cover for the players participating in the IPL, the West Indies have also named four uncapped players in the squad for the UAE series: Alick Athanaze, Kavem Hodge, Dominic Drakes, and Akeem Jordan. This strategic decision ensures that the team has adequate depth and talent at its disposal, irrespective of the players’ availability due to IPL commitments.
It is worth mentioning that the West Indies previously went through the Qualifier in 2018, emerging as the champions of the Super Six group and securing their place in the 2019 Cricket World Cup. With their eyes set on a repeat performance, the West Indies are determined to leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of qualification.
West Indies ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier Squad
Shai Hope (c), Rovman Powell (vc), Shamarh Brooks, Yannic Cariah, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Nicholas Pooran, Romario Shepherd
West Indies Squad for UAE ODIs
Shai Hope (c), Brandon King (vc), Alick Athanaze, Shamarh Brooks, Yannic Cariah, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Dominic Drakes, Kavem Hodge, Akeem Jordan, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Raymon Reifer, Odean Smith, Devon Thomas
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