Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard recalled for first two T20Is against India

Andre Russell

Two stalwarts of the West Indies team, Sunil Narine and Kieron Pollard were recalled into the 14-member squad for the first two T20Is of the three-match series to be played in USA against India.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Anthony Bramble is the only uncapped player in the squad selected for the first two T20Is to be played on August 3 and 4 at the Broward County Stadium, Lauderhill, Florida.
The selection panel could make changes to the squad for the third T20I on August 6 at the Guyana National Stadium, the West Indies Cricket Board said.

Andre Russell also makes a comeback into the team, subject to a passing a fitness test. The maverick all-rounder cut his World Cup campaign short to undergo a knee operation. Carlos Brathwaite will lead the team in the T20I series.

Left-handed cricketer John Campbell makes a place in the team after Chris Gayle made himself unavailable for the tournament, to play for the GT20 in Canada.

"This squad is an excellent balance of experience and youth. It is not just about the present -- the India Tour of the West Indies -- but we are also looking at the T20 World Cup coming up next year and it is important that we find the right combination of players and the right formula for defending our title," said Haynes.

"We have to make sure that we put certain things in place now, so that when it comes to picking the squad for the T20 World Cup, it becomes easier, so we are giving more players the opportunity to play and get the exposure."

Haynes said he expects the T20I series to be a keenly contested one.

"Most of the players that we have selected have played in the IPL and they know all of the Indian players well. We will have the edge for sure because we are playing at home. At the end of the day however, it is important that the players go out there and play to win, not just to compete, and I think we have the right balance to do so."

Mystery spinner Narine last played in a T20I for West Indies against England almost two years ago at Chester-le-Street and batting all-rounder Pollard appeared last November on the Tour of India.

"We felt that players like Narine and Pollard, who have played well in T20 leagues around the world, once they are fit and mentally ready to play, we must give them the opportunity to represent the West Indies again," said Haynes.

The 28-year-old Bramble will provide wicket keeping back-up to Nicholas Pooran despite not having played an official T20 in close to three years. He did, however, captain West Indies 'B' at last year's Canada GLT20 and was picked up by Guyana Amazon Warriors in the CPL draft in May.

"Though Nicholas Pooran will be the first-choice wicketkeeper, we needed to have someone to deputise in case something unexpected happens and he (Bramble) is the perfect choice," said Haynes.

India play three ODIs and two Tests against the West Indies after the T20Is.

India also have quite a few newbies in the team, including Deepak Chahar and Rahul Chahar along with fast bowler Navdeep Saini.

West Indies Squad for first two T20 Internationals: Carlos Brathwaite (capt), Sunil Narine, Keemo Paul, Khary Pierre, Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Oshane Thomas, Anthony Bramble (wk), John Campbell, Sheldon Cottrell, Shimron Hetmyer, Evin Lewis.

With inputs from PTI

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