Shimron Hetmyer back in West Indies squad for T20I series vs India

Jul 29, 2022

Shimron Hetmyer back in West Indies squad for T20I series vs India Image

Shimron Hetmyer, a left-handed batter, has been recalled by the Cricket West Indies (CWI) men's senior selection panel to the 16-man squad for the five-match T20I series against India and the three-match match against New Zealand, while all-rounder Fabien Allen and left-arm fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell are absent for various reasons. 

Allen is also unavailable due to personal obligations while Cottrell is recovering from an injury. 

The T20I series against India gets underway later on Friday at Trinidad's Brian Lara Stadium, with the final game set for August 7.

The same group of 16 players will fly to Jamaica for a three-match T20I series against New Zealand at Sabina Park beginning on August 10 after the series against India. 

"Hetmyer is welcomed back, and it's fantastic to see him sporting West Indies gear once more. He will strengthen the batting lineup, and thanks to his versatility and experience, we have a finisher who can add value, win games for the team, and excite the crowd "Desmond Haynes, lead selector for CWI, remarked.

"We are planning for and preparing for the ICC T20 World Cup, which will take place in Australia later this year, and we must keep that event in mind in all we do. Giving the players some international stage experience and trying to find the perfect combinations is a smart idea " he added.

Evin Lewis, the team's opening batter, was not included in the squad, though. Haynes said that Lewis had failed a fitness test set up for him while playing for the Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League after Lewis had been passed over for the most recent white-ball series at home against Bangladesh.

The squad: Nicholas Pooran (captain), Rovman Powell (vice-captain), Shamarh Brooks, Dominic Drakes, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Obed McCoy, Keemo Paul, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Devon Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr.