TWENTY20 MATCH UP

TWENTY20 MATCH UP|TWENTY20 MATCH UP
Associated Press / Eranga Jayawardena, File|Associated Press / Eranga Jayawardena, File

The West Indies team has recalled veteran all-rounder Kieron Pollard and off-spinner Sunil Narine for the upcoming Twenty20 International against India.

Hard-hitting batsman Chris Gayle has opted out of the game.

Wicketkeeper / batsman Anthony Bramble is the only newcomer to the 14-member squad selected for the first two Twenty20 series, which will be contested on Aug. 3 and 4 at the Broward County Stadium in Lauderhill, Florida, USA.

The Selection Panel has the opportunity to make changes to the squad before the third Twenty20 on Aug. 6 at the Guyana National Stadium.

The squad also includes Andre Russell (subject to him passing a fitness test before the series).

Left-hander opener, John Campbell and left-arm spinner, Khary Pierre have also been included alongside several regulars led by Captain Carlos Braithwaite, as the interim Cricket West Indies (CWI) seeks to explore options with the ICC World T20 looming next year in Australia.

CWI Selection Panel member, Robert Haynes said, “this squad is an excellent balance of experience and youth.”

Mystery spinner Narine last played in a Twenty20 for West Indies against England in Chester-Le- Street, London about two years ago and batting all-rounder Pollard appeared last November on the tour of India.

Bramble, 28 captained the West Indies “B” to the final of the Global Twenty20 Tournament last year in Canada and was recently picked up in the CPL draft for the first time in three years and will play for home-based Guyana Amazon Warrior.

The India team will be led by Virat Kholi throughout the tour, with Rohit Sharma as vice-captain in the Twenty20 and One-Day International. Ajinky Rahane is the vice-captain for the Test.

Former captain and wicketkeeper, MS Dhoni will miss the India tour of the Caribbean while fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah will only play in the Test.

West Indies’ batsman Kieron Pollard plays a shot during the ICC Twenty20 Cricket World Cup semi final match between Australia and West Indies’ in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Friday, Oct. 5, 2012 .
Associated Press / Eranga Jayawardena, File