Antigua: There was some rare good news for West Indies cricket when Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels were included in the ODI squad for next month’s series against England, Monday.
Gayle, one of the biggest drawcards in world cricket, has not represented West Indies since the 2015 World Cup, while Samuels has been absent for a year because of a dispute with the board.
Neither plays for a Test side whose much-mourned decline in fortunes was much in evidence during the innings and 209-run defeat at the hands of England at Edgbaston last week.
Sunil Narine, and Dwayne and Darren Bravo all made themselves unavailable for the five-match ODI series, September 19-29.
“The panel welcomes back Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels, who will both add value to our batting and help with the nurturing of the young batsmen in the team,” CWI chief selector Courtney Browne said in a statement.
“Both Sunil Narine and Darren Bravo have declined to be considered for ODIs in England. Narine has however confirmed his desire to play 50-over cricket again while Darren said he was not available for selection. Dwayne Bravo said he is still not 100 percent fit, but is looking at a possible return to international cricket next year,” he added.
Gayle, who turns 38 next month, shares the record with Samuels for the highest partnership in ODIs with 372-run stand against Zimbabwe in Canberra during the last World Cup.
The squad: Sunil Ambris, Devendra Bishoo, Miguel Cummins, Chris Gayle, Jason Holder (captain), Kyle Hope, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Jason Mohammed (vice captain), Ashley Nurse, Rovman Powell, Marlon Samuels, Jerome Taylor, Kesrick Williams.
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