By David Jackson
Earlier this month, the West Indies selectors
announced their 15-member squad for the
upcoming ICC Men’s T20 tournament. There
was much discussion among fans in the region
regarding the likely composition of the squad
for the tournament. In the end the West Indies
selectors went for a squad with two openers, a
plethora of big hitters and all-rounders, three
spinners, and two quick bowlers.
Shimron Hetmyer makes a comeback, after
missing the T20I series against Australia. He has
been in good nick in the ongoing IPL with the
Rajasthan Royals, playing a finisher’s role. Kyle
Mayers, who was part of the squad during the
Australia series was omitted as the Windies
opted for a lower-order batter over an opener.
Additionally, pacer Oshane Thomas has been left
out of the squad. Shamar Joseph, who impressed
everyone in his Test debut series against Australia
earlier this year, is now poised to make his T20I
debut, after being picked in the T20 World Cup
squad. The skills he displayed in Australia justify his
pick, despite his lack of experience in T20 cricket.
West Indies full squad reads as follows: Rovman
Powell (c), Alzarri Joseph, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase,
Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein,
Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas
Pooran, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario
Shepherd. The World Cup 2024 will be co-hosted by the
Caribbean nations and the USA. It begins on June 1st and
runs until the 29th of June.
What are the chances of West Indies reaching the final
and lifting the coveted trophy? Many persons, including
former West Indies players, such as Vivian Richards, Chris
Gayle and Curtly Ambrose are confident that West Indies
has a good chance of winning the tournament. I am
also confident that they could do quite well if they put
in creditable performances throughout the tournament.
The West Indies are just one of two sides to have won
multiple men’s T20 World Cup titles. The West Indies won
the tournament in 2012 and 2016, under the captaincy of
Daren Sammy, the present Head Coach of the T20 World
Cup squad. The West Indies will, however, need to overturn
some poor form at recent ICC tournaments, if they are
to become the only three-time winner of the event. They
didn’t make it out of the first round of the most recent T20
World Cup in Australia in 2022 and failed to even qualify
for last year’s ICC Men’s Cricket ODI World Cup in India.
The West Indies has, however, had some recent successes
in T201s. Under skipper Rovman Powell they secured
victories over South Africa, India, and England in the last
14 months. West Indies defeated South Africa 2-1 in South
Africa in March 2023. Then in August, they claimed a 3-2
series victory against India at home and defeated England
3-2 in another home series. These T201 series victories will
undoubtedly give the West Indies some confidence to
put in a strong showing for this, the ninth edition of the T20
World Cup.
Let us now look more closely at the squad selected for
the World Cup. Chairman of Selectors, Sir Desmond
Haynes did mention the term ‘roles’, clearly indicating
that specific players were selected to perform distinct
roles during the World Cup. Brandon King and Johnson
Charles are the two likely openers. Either Shai Hope or
Nicholas Pooran is expected to perform the role of a no.
3 batsman. Interestingly though, if conditions deemed it
necessary for Roston Chase to be in the X!, it may be at
the expense of Shai Hope. Either of the two can play that
Marlon-type role to anchor the innings, as the big hitters
accelerate. Hope is the better option as a batsman, but
Chase has the advantage of being a bowler. There also
seemed to be a choice between Sherfane Rutherford
and Shimron Hetmeyer and between Jason Holder and
Romario Shepherd. Nicholas Pooran, captain Rovman
Powell, Andre Russel, Akeal Hosein and both pacers Alzarri
Joseph and Shamar Joseph seems almost certain to make
the first X!, unless pitch conditions determine otherwise.
For most matches, West Indies may play with only
five bowlers; the two Josephs, Holder or Shepherd,
Hosein, and Russell. For me, that is one area of
concern. The inclusion of Motie or Chase would
strengthen the bowling attack, providing that
sixth bowling option. One of the batsmen would
have to be omitted for that to happen, and the
most likely batsman to sit out would be Shai Hope,
with Nicholas Pooran occupying the no. 3 spot.
If Hope steps aside, Chase or Motie is likely to
provide that 6th bowling option. Though Chase
is the better batsman, my preference would be
Motie in the X1 as he can be quite useful in those
middle overs to help stem the flow of runs.
West Indies has a good, balanced team on
paper and should do quite well in this tournament
if they play sensibly. They must be disciplined in all
three areas; batting, bowling, and fielding, and
must go into each match with a proper strategy,
including a ‘back-up plan’ if things don’t go as
expected. I am confident, however, that West
Indies would perform creditably and not only
emerge from the group stage but go on to reach
the semi-final stage of the tournament. With grit
and determination, they can reach the finals of
this tournament. I therefore believe that West
Indies have an outside chance of winning the
tournament, for a third time. Rally hard! Fans of
the West Indies.