West Indies, two-time winners of the t20 World Cup, still require qualification to ensure their spot in the Super 12s of the tournament in Australia. Traditional heavyweights in the format, the Windies have not had a smooth time of it in the past couple of years. Despite their wealth of incredible talent that they have produced in t20 cricket in the last decade or so, the fact that their Super 12 status has not already been secured is somewhat of an indictment in terms of where their fortunes have fallen.
The absence of West Indies stars - Russell, Narine and Hetmyer
You only have to look at the premier t20 franchise tournament, the Indian Premier League, to see how many top class options the West Indies have at their disposal. A number of those options are key parts of their respective teams and have been for a number of years, namely Andre Russell and Sunil Narine. Both have been mainstays for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the last ten years and are undoubted go-to names. Their all-round talents hold enormous weight in the format and they are far from being done.
However, despite seemingly being fit and ready following the recent Caribbean Premier League season, both will be absent from the squad in Australia. Narine has not played for the West Indies since 2019, with some rather vague comments from both the player and the management being made in those intervening years regarding the subject. The spinner recently suggested that the door was not closed, but he was ultimately not selected after it emerged that he was apparently 'not interested'. Embed from Getty Images
Similarly, Russell has not played for the West Indies since the last edition of the t20 World Cup in the UAE. Again, like Narine, there were suggestions that the powerful all-rounder would be a part of the squad down under, but the management ultimately claimed that they had 'moved on' from one of the format's best ever players.
While the absence of Narine and Russell is disappointing, if not overly unsurprising, then the last-minute withdrawal of Shimron Hetmyer has certainly raised a few eyebrows. One of the leading lights of the next generation of Windies talent, Hetmyer is a crucial cog in the middle order. However, he delayed his flight to Australia and ultimately did not board the rescheduled trip.
To have such bonafide stars fit and 'available', yet still not be in the squad is a big shame to all those who enjoy watching the format. There have been a number of issues between players and management over the last few years, such is the case with Narine not having played for so long. There have been problems with fitness tests regarding the likes of Narine, Hetmyer and fellow t20 titan Evin Lewis, alongside some fractious communication.Embed from Getty Images
The golden generation have moved on - Gayle, Bravo and Pollard
As well as the aforementioned trio who are missing through a variety of reasons, there is another group of three huge Windies players who will not turn out in the maroon this tournament. Legends of the t20 format, Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard are added to the list of notable omissions from the squad due to retirement. Embed from Getty Image
They were unable to make a big impact in the previous tournament and have since announced their respective decisions to retire from international cricket. As a result, it does mark somewhat of a landmark moment when it comes to the next generation of Caribbean talent. Having played big parts in landing the two World Cup titles in 2012 and 2016, the iconic trio will be missed but the intrigue lies in the impact that their replacements can have. While direct comparisons would be unfair on anyone stepping into their shoes, it is natural to at least wonder what success the new era could have.
How is the rest of the West Indies squad shaping up for the opening game vs Scotland?
Despite all the off-field issues when it comes to their players, the West Indies are still likely considered favourites to progress to the Super 12s. Their captain, Nicholas Pooran, is another whose stock continues to rise and he will play a big role through the middle overs at number three or four. Rovman Powell, particularly following his incredible maiden t20 hundred vs England at the start of the year, has seemingly gone to a new level following years of promise. Kyle Mayers is another who has strengthened his t20 game over the last year and adds an option with the ball.
Mainstays such as Jason Holder and Lewis will bring the experience left behind by the aforementioned retirements and absentees. Such is the case with West Indies cricket, there is considerable strength when it comes to all-rounders. Along with Mayers and Holder, Akeal Hosein has proved to be a fantastic option with his left-arm orthodox, whether it be in the powerplay or through the middle period of an innings. Odean Smith provides a raw option with the ball and a frighteningly powerful, if not inconsistent, production with the bat. Alzarri Joseph has even been chipping in with runs down the order.
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| Nicholas Pooran has a tricky job on his hands as captain in the new era [CREDIT: Matt Roberts - CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images] |
Joseph himself is joined by the impressive left-arm option of Obed McCoy in the pace department, as well as powerplay specialist and limited overs stalwart Sheldon Cottrell. One of the biggest head-turners when it came to the squad selection was the inclusion of 30-year-old legspinner Yannic Cariah.
Incredibly, despite being picked for the t20 World Cup and ahead of the likes of Hayden Walsh Jr, Cariah had not played a single t20 game since 2016, until his recent T20I debut against Australia. An astonishing selection, especially considering one of the implied reasons behind Russell's omission was his lack of form in the recent CPL season, a tournament Cariah played no part in. Indeed, the 30-year-old has only played a combined 27 recognised limited overs games in his career.
Still, there is plenty to like in this West Indies squad and still a lot of talent and experience that should see them have enough to join one of Ireland, Scotland and Zimbabwe in the Super 12s. It is just a shame for the neutral that internal politics seem to affect West Indies more than any other cricketing nation, in turn denying access to watching some of the very best play the very best.
Potential XI - Mayers, Lewis, King, Pooran (C), Powell, Holder, Smith, Hosein, Joseph, Cariah, McCoy
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