The first leg of England’s tour of the Caribbean concluded on Wednesday, with the third and final ODI. The hosts took the series 2-1, winning the first game in Antigua and the third in Barbados, while England won the second match in Antigua.

The focus for both sides now shifts to the five-match T20I series, beginning on Sunday (November 10). Cricket West Indies announced their squad for the first two matches earlier today.

The major news for the Men in Maroon is the return of a couple of star players in all-rounder Andre Russell and batter Nicholas Pooran. The pair, along with Akeal Hosein and Shimron Hetmyer had opted out of West Indies’ last T20I series, in Sri Lanka, for personal reasons.

Hetmyer had returned to the national setup for the ODI series against England, while Hosein, like Russell and Pooran is back for the T20Is. Pace bowler Matthew Forde has also been included for the first two T20Is as Alzarri Joseph serves a two-match suspension for indiscipline on the fieldduring the third ODI against England.

Head coach Daren Sammy was upbeat about his side’s chances in the series, saying, “The T20 team is our most settled team with lots of experienced players.

“However, the difficulty will be picking the eleven, as every single player is challenging for a spot in the eleven. As we face a very good England team, I am confident that the selected squad will continue to play a brand of cricket that allows us to win games and this Rivalry series.”

WI v ENG T20Is: West Indies squad for first two T20Is against England

Rovman Powell (c), Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Terrance Hinds, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd.

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