ICC World Cup 2019: Analyzing the squad of West Indies
West Indies have announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019. The mega tournament would start from May 30 in England and Wales. The biggest highlight was the return of Andre Russell, who last played ODI cricket in July 2018. However, the likes of Kieron Pollard and Sunil Narine were overlooked. Here we analyze the squad of West Indies.
Here is the 15-member West Indies squad
Here is the 15-member squad of West Indies: Jason Holder (captain), Chris Gayle, Andre Russell, Sheldon Cottrell, Shannon Gabriel, Kemar Roach, Nicholas Pooran (wicket-keeper), Ashley Nurse, Fabian Allen, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope (wicket-keeper), Oshane Thomas, Carlos Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Evin Lewis.
Windies look up to Gayle at the top
West Indies will look up to veteran Chris Gayle for the fireworks and the foundation. The southpaw has been in superb form this year and after a successful ODI series against England, he has shined in the ongoing 12th edition of the IPL. Evin Lewis gives him company at the top. His contributions will be important as well. Nicholas Pooran is the back-up opener.
A look at the middle order of Windies
Shai Hope is an important figure in the batting line-up. He has a decent average of 45.56 in ODIs. Hope has also been a regular in this side. Darren Bravo brings the solidity in the middle order. He will need to be consistent. Left-handed batsman Shimron Hetmyer is the prime force for Windies. The youngster has been playing well in international cricket.
A solid all-round department on offer
Russell's return comes as a shot in the arm for West Indies. He is a match-winner and the form he is enjoying, at the moment, could spell trouble for teams. Russell is averaging 65.33 with the bat and has a strike-rate of 217.77 in IPL 2019. The all-round department gets the desired support from skipper Jason Holder and Carlos Brathwaite. All are productive all-rounders.
Roach leads a heavy bowling attack
Ashley Nurse and Fabian Allen are the main spinners in the side. Nurse, in particular, will need to shoulder the responsibility. The pace department is bolstered by the ever reliable Kemar Roach. His experience and genuine pace could help Windies in seaming conditions. Shannon Gabriel is another veteran customer. Sheldon Cottrell and Oshane Thomas provide the support as back-up pacers.
What's expected from Windies?
West Indies could have selected Narine in order to give them that extra bit in spin department. The squad looks a bit short on batting with the focus mainly on bowlers. A lot will revolve around Gayle and Russell. They might not qualify for semis.
