Holder rested as WI name squad for ODI tours of Netherlands, Pakistan

BRIDGETOWN: The West Indies on Monday announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming ODI series against Netherlands and Pakistan with Jason Holder, Shimron Hetmyer, and Evin Lewis missing out on selection in what will be the start of Nicholas Pooran’s reign as their new white-ball captain.

West Indies will tour Netherlands and Pakistan to play three-match ODI series against the two sides respectively. Their series against Netherlands will be the first ever between the two sides. The two series will be a part of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League.

The assignments will also be a big chance for Pooran to stamp his authority after the retirement of his predecessor Kieron Pollard.

But he will be without the experienced Holder, currently playing for Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League, who has been rested to manage his workload while Hetmyer also won’t be part of the tours as he’ll be at home for the birth of his first child. Lewis, who is also with the Lucknow team, hasn’t been considered for the national side as he failed to meet the fitness criteria.

Three new faces get a chance in the squad – fast bowlers Jayden Seales and Shermon Lewis, as well as batter Keacy Carty. Carty becomes the first player from St. Maarten to be selected for the West Indies Men’s side.

“We were impressed with Carty and the way he goes about his innings, we saw several glimpses of his ability the way he played against England earlier this year for the CWI President’s XI. We hope that giving him this opportunity he will recognise the importance of representing West Indies,” Cricket West Indies chief selector Desmond Haynes said in a statement.

Haynes was also full of praise for Seales and Lewis, stating that the Windies were building a side with the future in mind.

“We also have a very good group of young fast bowlers who have demonstrated their ability and we want to use these two tours to give them opportunities in the 50-over format. We have a week in The Netherlands and another week in Pakistan and this should provide them with quality opposition to bowl against as we build towards the Cricket World Cup in 2023.

“[Anderson] Phillip has been around for some time, and we know what he can offer, Seales has been very good in Test cricket and Lewis is making a return to the West Indies set-up following some good performances.”

Squad: Nicholas Pooran (captain), Shai Hope, Nkrumah Bonner, Shamarh Brooks, Keacy Carty, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Shermon Lewis, Kyle Mayers, Anderson Phillip, Rovman Powell, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Hayden Walsh Jr.

Published in Dawn, May 11th, 2022