“We appointed Alzarri Joseph as vice-captain as he demonstrated maturity and good leadership qualities for the Leeward Islands Hurricanes during the recent CG United Super50 Cup,” West Indies chief selector Desmond Haynes said. “We believe that with exposure and opportunities, he could be a future leader in West Indies cricket. Matthew Forde is a stalwart cricketer who has been impressive. He is one of the players to come from the Indies Academy programme. Western and that can be part of the future.
“England on the tour of the West Indies is always full of excitement and expectation. We expect this to be a very close series, but we also believe that this team will do well in our home conditions. We have a clear vision. We are focused “On building a solid team. “Our main objective is to rebuild for success in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027.”
Having missed out on World Cup qualification, the West Indies were last in action against India in August, when they were beaten 2-1 in the ODI format. Among the players involved against India who missed selection for the three ODIs against England, starting on December 3 in Antigua, were Rovman Powell, Dominic Drakes, Kyle Mayers and Jayden Seales.
The team met in Antigua on Monday to begin preparations for the series, with networking, planning and fitness sessions at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium and the Coolidge Cricket Ground. The ODI series will be followed by five T20Is, spread across Barbados, Grenada and Trinidad.
“Everyone is fully aware of what is required as we prepare to face England on our own soil,” West Indies head coach Daren Sammy said. “The camp will be detailed and will be based on the specific aspects that we have identified that will be necessary if we are to be successful at the international level. We will have high intensity and purposeful training sessions and everything we do will be geared towards improving and winning.”, Sammy said.
“I believe in preparation. I believe that when you prepare well you have the best chance to win. When you do the hard work, the right kind of work, when you hone your skills, that will add value to your game.”
West Indies ODI team to face England: Shai Hope (captain), Alzarri Joseph (vice-captain), Alick Athanaze, Yannic Cariah, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Kjorn Ottley, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Oshane Thomas