All-rounders Matthew Forde and Shamar Springer have been added to the West Indies’ T20I squad as they seek to strengthen their bowling attack for their upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand starting Wednesday.
The two Barbadians are the only new additions to the 15-member squad which trounced Bangladesh 3-0 in their just concluded T20I series on Friday.
Forde, who suffered a shoulder injury in the summer, has been recalled after successfully completing the rehabilitation and return-to-play protocols process.
Meanwhile, Springer has also been included to bolster a seam bowling unit which has suffered several injuries, most recently to Ramon Simmons and Jediah Blades, who have both been ruled out for this series.
Fast bowlers Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph are also unavailable.
In an interesting development, left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie has been dropped from the side, following a recent dip in form which has been attributed primarily to a technical issue with his action.
With conditions in New Zealand not expected to be as conducive to spin bowling, a decision has been taken for Motie to work with specialists, through collaboration with the Royals Sports Group – owners of the Paarl Royals franchise South Africa, prior to his participation in December’s SA20 to address the issue and rebuild confidence ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
CWI also disclosed that clinical psychologist Krisnan Hurdle has been hired as a mental skills and performance coach starting with the New Zealand tour.
Director of Cricket at CWI, Miles Bascombe, said Hurdle’s appointment was a strategic move to align with global practices while enhancing output in the international arena.
“The addition of a mental skills and performance coach reflects our commitment to developing the complete cricketer. At the elite level, success is as much about mindset and composure as it is about technical ability.
“Strengthening this area ensures that our players are provided with the necessary non-technical support geared towards equipping them to manage pressure and maintain focus,” Bascombe said.
(CMC)
TEAM
WEST INDIES T20I SQUAD vs IRELAND: Shai Hope (captain), Alick Athanaze, Ackeem Auguste, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Amir Jangoo, Brandon King, Khary Pierre, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Shamar Springer.
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