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Andre Russell returns to the West Indies squad for SA, Australia, Pakistan series
All-rounder Andre Russell is back in the West Indies T20I squad for the first time since March 2020. West Indies' 18-member squad for their upcoming set of T20I series against South Africa, Australia, and Pakistan also includes the returning duo of Shimron Hetmyer and Sheldon Cottrell, with Kieron Pollard continuing to lead the side following on from the 2-1 home win against Sri Lanka in the format in March. Sunil Narine, meanwhile, continues to miss out, with Cricket West Indies revealing the spinner informed lead selector Roger Harper he wasn't yet ready to return to international cricket. "If his position changes, then the selectors would consider him for selection," a CWI spokesperson said.
While the West Indies side retains at its core most of the players that helped them triumph in the series against Sri Lanka, there are a handful of changes, especially in the bowling department. Alongside Cottrell, Oshane Thomas and Hayden Walsh Jnr also return, while the 39-year-old fast bowler Fidel Edwards retains his place in the side. Chris Gayle and Evin Lewis remain part of the side, while Nicholas Pooran is vice-captain.
"The provisional T20I squad was put together with all T20I home series matches against South Africa, Australia, and Pakistan in mind," Harper said. "This allows us to continue to build towards the upcoming World Cup and to determine our best squad and our ideal eleven.”
