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The upcoming five-match T20 series between West Indies and India promises to be an exciting contest, with India entering as the favourites following their dominant performances in the preceding Test and ODI series. The action will kick off on Thursday (August 3) at the historic Brian Lara Stadium, Trinidad.
India’s clean sweep in the Test series followed by a 2-1 victory in the ODI series have showcased their form and depth across formats. As they transition to the shortest format, they will look to maintain their momentum and build on their strengths. On the other hand, the West Indies, being the title holder of T20 World Cup champions in 2012 and 2018, will be keen to put up a strong fight in front of their home crowd.
The venues for the T20 series provide an exciting mix, with the opening match taking place at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad. The series will then move to Providence Stadium in Guyana for the second and third matches on August 6 and 8, respectively, offering cricket fans in Guyana a chance to witness some high-octane action.
Also Read: WI vs IND 2023: India’s best playing XI for the T20I series against West Indies
The tour will culminate with fourth and fifth T20I on August 12 and 13 at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground in Lauderhill, Florida, USA. This fixture holds added significance as both West Indies and the USA are official hosts for the next edition of the T20 World Cup in 2024, making it a perfect opportunity for players to acclimatize to the conditions.
Here is West Indies’ best playing XI for the five-match T20I series against India:
The West Indies team’s selection for the upcoming five-match T20 series against India have a good mix of experienced players and talented youngsters. Rovman Powell, who has been named vice-captain, will provide valuable leadership support to the team. Alongside him, Kyle Mayers, who has shown great potential with his all-round abilities, will be a crucial asset for the team.
Johnson Charles, the experienced campaigner, brings stability to the batting lineup. He is a hard-hitting top-order batsman with the ability to take on the opposition’s bowling attack. Charles can set the tone at the beginning of the innings and provide a solid platform for the power-hitters to follow.
The specialist batters in the squad, including Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer and Brandon King are known for their explosive batting prowess in the T20 format. Their ability to score quick runs and clear the boundaries will be instrumental in setting up competitive totals or chasing down targets effectively.
Pooran, the left-handed wicketkeeper-batsman is a dynamic player in the T20 format. He possesses incredible power-hitting abilities and can clear the boundaries effortlessly. Pooran’s innovative stroke-play and ability to find gaps in the field make him a dangerous batsman in the middle overs. He can be a game-changer and anchor the innings when needed.
Hetmyer is also known for his aggressive approach at the crease. He has a wide range of shots and can take on bowlers from the outset. Hetmyer’s ability to hit big sixes and rotate the strike with ease adds depth to the West Indies batting order.
King is a valuable addition to the squad. King has showcased his power-hitting abilities in domestic T20 leagues and can be a valuable asset at the top of the order. He can provide quick starts and build partnerships with his aggressive style of play.
In the pace bowling department, the West Indies will rely on the experience and skill of players like Jason Holder, Obed McCoy, Odean Smith and Oshane Thomas. These bowlers have the pace and variations to trouble the opposition batsmen and take wickets at crucial stages of the game.
Holder, the former West Indies captain brings a wealth of experience to the team. He is known for his ability to swing the ball and extract bounce from the pitches. Holder’s tall frame and variations in pace make him a potent threat in both the powerplay and death overs. His accuracy and ability to bowl tight lines can put pressure on the opposition batsmen and result in crucial breakthroughs.
McCoy has impressed with his performances in recent times. He has the ability to bowl with good pace and generate swing. McCoy’s variations in pace and deceptive slower balls can be effective in the shorter format. He has the knack of picking up wickets at crucial junctures, and his ability to bowl effective yorkers in the death overs can make him a valuable asset for the West Indies.
Smith has shown promise with both bat and ball. He can bowl at a lively pace and has the ability to hit the deck hard, extracting extra bounce from the surface. Smith’s aggressive approach and ability to generate pace make him a challenging proposition for the opposition batsmen. His capability to contribute with both bat and ball adds depth to the West Indies lineup.
Thomas is a young and exciting talent known for his express pace. He has the ability to clock high speeds and trouble the batsmen with his raw pace. Thomas can be a genuine wicket-taker, especially during the powerplay overs, where early breakthroughs are crucial.
Akeal Hossain’s role in the spin department will be crucial for the West Indies in the T20 series against India. As the lone specialist spinner in the squad, he will have the responsibility of controlling the game in the middle overs and providing valuable breakthroughs when needed.
In the fast-paced and high-scoring T20 format, spinners play a vital role in maintaining control over the run flow and building pressure on the opposition batsmen. Hossain’s ability to bowl accurately, vary his pace, and deceive the batters with his spin will be essential in restricting the flow of runs during the middle phase of the innings.
Overall, the West Indies team looks well-balanced with a blend of power-hitters, solid middle-order batsmen, and effective bowlers. The combination of experience and youth in the squad will be key to their success in the series against a strong Indian side.
West Indies’ best XI for the T20I series against India:
Rovman Powell (c), Kyle Mayers (vc), Brandon King, Nicholas Pooran, Johnson Charles, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Obed McCoy, Odean Smith, Oshane Thomas.
West Indies’ T20I squad for the India series:
Rovman Powell (c), Kyle Mayers (vc), Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Obed McCoy, Nicholas Pooran, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Oshane Thomas.
