Since the West Indies last contested a One-Day International (ODI), 83 days ago, the Caribbean side has undergone major surgery; which has seen them part ways with interim head coach Floyd Reifer, in preference of Phil Simmons. As well as, replacing limited overs captains—both Jason Holder and Carlos Brathwaite—with Kieron Pollard. As the men in maroon set out to tackle Afghanistan in a three-match ODI series (beginning Wednesday morning Caribbean time), they will do so having made six changes to the squad that was defeated 2-0 by India in August. The likes of John Campbell, Fabian Allen, Carlos Brathwaite, Chris Gayle, Oshane Thomas, and Kemar Roach among those missing out. Cricket West Indies announced the following 15-man squad to travel to India to face Afghanistan: Kieron Pollard (c), Shai Hope, Evin Lewis, Shimron Hetmyer, Sunil Ambris, Nicholas Pooran, Brandon King, Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Hayden Walsh Jr., Khary Pierre, Sheldon Cottrell, Keemo Paul, Alzarri Joseph and Romario Shepherd.
Coach & Captain
Whether you were for or against the appointments of Phil Simmons and Kieron Pollard, the youthfulness of this West Indian team means that the narrative following their embarrassing display at the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup remains—they are a young team that requires time. Yet, by the way that Pollard (as a captain) has been “built up” by sections of the media, fans and former players, it seems that the Trinidadian is expected to make an immediate impact on the team’s results. The dilemma then is, how much time do you give the core of this team with a 32-year-old new leader? Or will we suddenly begin to differentiate between the duties of a captain and the characteristics of an inexperienced team.
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