Officials of the Dominica Cricket Association (DCA), the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA), and the Ministry of Sports say they are “set and ready” for the hosting of the two T20 internationals to be staged in Dominica on July 2 & 3 between West Indies and Bangladesh.
Event Manager DcDowill Paul told a press briefing, “We will prove that we are worthy by being the best host.”
The Windsor Park Stadium was extensively damaged in September 2017 during the passage of Hurricane Marie in Dominica and Paul stated that “within four years, we have been working to restore the stadium back to its former glory days.”
He called on all cricketing lovers to “come out in full support of the game.”
Meantime, the West Indies is all set with an almost entirely new lineup set to face Bangladesh in a three-match series beginning on July 2. The search for the ideal team to take to the T20 World Cup in October continues apace. The team looks new with Rovman Powell being named as vice-captain of the squad.
Obed McCoy, a left-arm seamer who played for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL final, Keemo Paul, an all-arounder, and Devon Thomas, a wicketkeeper, were all recalled to the 13-person T20I team.
Obed McCoy, the left-arm fast bowler, has rejoined the West Indies team in preparation for their upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh. McCoy, a crucial component of Rajasthan Royals’ march to the IPL final in the latter stages, is back as the two-time global champions seek a personnel refresh in an effort to find the top players for the next T20 World Cup.
The left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, who participated in one Test and one T20I, was selected for a 13-man ODI team to play Bangladesh beginning on July 10. In both formats, West Indies will continue to be led by Nicholas Pooran.
Shamarh Brooks, Alzarri Joseph, Keemo Paul, and Devon Thomas have all been reinstated, replacing Fabian Allen, Roston Chase, and Sheldon Cottrell. Rovman Powell has been named the Vice-Captain.
Chief selector Desmond Haynes said, “We know Rovman’s history. He has captained the West Indies before and is also the captain of his CPL franchise. Our role is to look at future leaders as well and we have identified a few, including him, who we will be putting through programmes to ensure we keep them involved in that aspect of cricket.”
“Generally, we have to start looking at the bigger picture of getting these players playing together as often as possible in preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup later down in the year. We need to ensure we are fielding a very strong side for that tournament,” he added.
Talking about Thoman, Haynes said, “Thomas is a very versatile cricketer, who has been knocking on the door in all formats. He has been doing well in franchise cricket and with that level of talent, we must ensure we keep him interested. He brings a lot to the table and is basically a four-dimensional player, he can bat, bowl, he is brilliant in the field, and he can keep wicket as well.”
The white-ball matches will begin with three T20Is on July 2, July 3, and July 7 followed by the ODIs on July 10, July 13, and July 16. On Wednesday, West Indies defeated Bangladesh in both games in a two-match Test series.
WEST INDIES SQUAD:
T20 Internationals
Nicholas Pooran (Captain), Rovman Powell (Vice Captain), Shamarh Brooks, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Obed McCoy, Keemo Paul, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Devon Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr.
Reserve: Dominic Drakes
One-Day Internationals
Nicholas Pooran (Captain), Shai Hope (Vice-Captain), Shamarh Brooks, Kaecy Carty, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Anderson Phillip, Rovman Powell, Jayden Seales
Reserve: Romario Shepherd