Pooran, Russell, Hetmyer back for first two England T20Is; Alzarri Joseph suspended

Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Andre Russell and Akeal Hosein who skipped the Sri Lanka T20I series last month have all been named in the West Indies squad for the first two T20Is against England, starting from November 9. But fast-bowler Alzarri Joseph who is serving a suspension, has been replaced by Matthew Forde.

T20I Squad: 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

As a result of the inclusion of the four senior players, the quartet of Fabian Allen, Alick Athanaze, Andre Fletcher and Shamar Springer miss out from the squad.

Meanwhile, Joseph has picked up a two-match suspension after showing discontent towards ODI captain Shai Hope due to the field set for him during the third ODI against England. Joseph had stormed off the field after completing an over, but shortly returned. Forde, who takes Joseph’s spot, had been named player of the series in the ODIs against England as he picked eight wickets at 16.38.

The batting unit comprises Shai Hope, Pooran, Hetmyer, Brandon King, Evin Lewis and skipper Rovman Powell with all-rounders Russell, Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd and Sherfane Rutherford to add to the muscle in the batting unit.

The pace bowling unit includes Shamar Joseph, Terrance Hinds and Forde while Hosein and Gudakesh Motie are the spinners in the squad.