Allrounders Sherfane Rutherford and Matthew Forde could make their ODI debuts during the three-match series while Shane Dowrich and Kjorn Ottley have earned recalls
West Indies have named uncapped duo Sherfane Rutherford and Matthew Forde in their 15-strong ODI squad to face England as they begin the rebuilding effort for the 2027 World Cup.
The two-time champions failed to qualify for the 2023 tournament and will not be involved in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
December's three-match series, which is followed by five T20Is, will be West Indies' first outing since August.
Batting allrounder Rutherford, who has six T20I caps, earned his place in the squad after scoring 278 runs, including his first List A century, in the Super50 Cup. For 21-year-old bowling allrounder Forde, this is his maiden international call-up.
Sherfane Rutherford and Matthew Forde could make their ODI debuts against England [Randy Brooks/Ishara S Kodikara/Getty Images]
They are joined in the squad by wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich, who earned his only ODI cap against Bangladesh in May 2019. The 32-year-old averaged 78 for Combined Campuses and Colleges in the Super50 Cup. Opener Kjorn Ottley, who played two ODIs in January 2021, has also been recalled.
Shai Hope continues as ODI captain, with bowler Alzarri Joseph appointed vice-captain after demonstrating "maturity and good leadership qualities" for Leeward Islands on the domestic stage.
However, Jason Holder and Nicholas Pooran were unavailable for selection as they prioritise other formats while Justin Greaves, who scored 403 runs at 80.60 in the Super50 Cup, is injured.
Other notable absentees include Rovman Powell, Dominic Drakes, Kyle Mayers and Jayden Seales while there was also no room for Darren Bravo, who topped the run-scoring charts in the Super50 Cup and captained Trinidad & Tobago to the title.
Lead selector, Desmond Haynes, said: "We named Alzarri Joseph as vice-captain as he demonstrated maturity and good leadership qualities for the Leeward Islands Hurricanes during the recent Super50 Cup. We believe with exposure and opportunities he could be a future leader in West Indies cricket.
Shane Dowrich, who last played international cricket in December 2020, has been recalled [Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images]
"Matthew Forde is a whole-hearted cricketer who has been impressive. He is one of the players coming through the West Indies Academy program who can form part of the future.
"England on tour of the West Indies is always filled with excitement and expectation. We expect this to be a hard-fought series, but we also believe this squad will do well in our home conditions. We have a clear vision. We are focused on building a solid team. Our main focus is to rebuild for success at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027."
West Indies will face England in Antigua on December 3 and December 6 before the series relocates to Barbados for the third ODI on December 9.
West Indies ODI squad: Shai Hope (c), Alzarri Joseph, Alick Athanaze, Yannic Cariah, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Kjorn Ottley, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Oshane Thomas
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Posted by Ronuhld on 02/12/2023 at 08:13
This WI cricket will continue the rapid downward spiral. Think about why the great teams are great and you’ll see a pattern. What’s that pattern? They give their players chances to fail, but, more importantly, chances to learn from their mistakes. Every time WI go on a new tour (to the same territory) is a bunch of new players. The ones who played in that territory and, perhaps, performed below par as ostracized for new, ‘inexperienced’ ones. An ODI team to play ENGLAND with no veterans. What a thing! Not saying I don’t believe in fresh blood, but one blood clot on the tour and that could be it. Good luck men.
Posted by Keshore Satram on 21/11/2023 at 23:32
I'm disappointed with the selectors because it's the same lack of transparency in their decision making. The most notable absence in this team is Darren Bravo. He has been snubbed ever since he spoke the truth against the WI CEO. At that time he was the best batter in the WI. They were spiteful and vindictive towards him then and today it's the same attitude towards a sportsman who has proven his exceptional talent and worth. Shame on our once loved and respected Desmond Haynes.
Posted by Conroy Linton on 21/11/2023 at 19:24
As we fast approach the centenary year of our cricket in 2028, it is high time that we start to compete with the rest of the world in cricketing terms by getting it back to how it was in halcyon days gone by. Gone are the days when we should tolerate the foolishness on and off the field by showing the dedication, work and leadership that is sorely needed in order to show the world at large that despite suffering the double humiliation of missing out on the world this year and the world championships next year that it is possible to re-establish former glories, providing that everyone pulls together in the same direction.
Posted by Marvin Lawrence on 21/11/2023 at 19:00
Look s like a good team i wish them all the best and i will be watching.
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