With the five-match T20I series against Australia already won with two matches to spare, the West Indies team management has decided to bolster their spin department for the two inconsequential matches against the Aussies. They have included left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein and right-arm offie Kevin Sinclair.
Having made their international debuts earlier this year, both these spinners have been named as replacements for the swashbuckling Shimron Hetmyer and left-arm pacer Obed McCoy. Hetmyer scored a match-winning 61 in the second encounter while McCoy was instrumental in their victory in the opening encounter.
McCoy bagged four wickets as West Indies staged a dramatic turnaround in the final stretch of the game. Since then it has been all West Indies as they have produced some exceptional all-round display which has ensured their unassailable 3-0 lead in the series. Both Hetmyer and McCoy are nursing minor injuries and the team management doesn’t want to risk with the series already won.
"We took the decision to rest players who have picked up some niggles and give opportunities to other players in the squad," chief selector Roger Harper said of the changes.
The last two encounters of the series will be played at the Darren Sammy National Stadium in St Lucia on 15th July (Thursday) and 17th July (Saturday). Kieron Pollard has been retained in the squad and his availability will depend upon his fitness ahead of the 4th encounter.
This is the updated squad for the last two matches
Kieron Pollard (C), Nicholas Pooran (VC), Fabian Allen, Dwayne Bravo, Sheldon Cottrell, Akeal Hosein, Andre Fletcher, Chris Gayle, Kevin Sinclair, Evin Lewis, Andre Russell, Lendl Simmons, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr.