Chris Gayle has been recalled to the West Indies cricket team for the first time in two years as he was named in the T20I side for a three-match home series against Sri Lanka. Gayle has flirted with international retirement since 2019, having said that the home series against India after the ODI World Cup was going to be his last. However he has since performed a U-turn on his retirement decision and has even hinted at the fact that he could play until he is 45 years old. That means the Universe Boss, who is currently 41, will be an active cricketer for at least another four years.
Another notable name included in the squad is that of Fidel Edwards. The 39-year-old has played 55 Tests, 50 ODIs and 20 T20Is for the West Indies, had signed with Hampshire on a Kolpak deal in 2015.
However, Brexit has meant that Kolpak registrations in the county game are a thing of the past and that Edwards is free to play international cricket again. He had said earlier in the year that he would be interested in an international comeback and the 39-year old, who is still able to bowl at speeds over and above the 90 mph mark.
“As we build towards the defence of the T20 World Cup, the opportunity is being taken to determine our best team and squad as we go forward. Chris Gayle has performed very well in recent tournaments and the selection panel thinks that he can still add great value to our team. Fidel Edwards has been selected to give the bowling the potent firepower needed,” CWI Lead Selector Roger Harper said.
“Jason Holder has shown his all-round value in this format in recent times and after missing a few series he will add depth and experience to the squad.
“Akeal Hosein performed very well in Bangladesh [ODI Series] and had excellent stats in the CPL so this is an opportunity to see how he equips himself in this format.
“Kevin Sinclair grabbed our attention in the Super50 Cup back in 2019 and has been consistently economical in the last CPL and the current CG Insurance Super50. He will provide an off-spinning option for the team.”
West Indies T20I team: Kieron Pollard (captain), Shai Hope (vice-captain), Fabian Allen, Darren Bravo, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Kyle Mayers, Jason Mohammed, Nicolas Pooran, Romario Shepherd, and Kevin Sinclair.
