West Indies has been dealt a blow ahead of the Cricket WorldCup with Andre Russell not fit enough to feature in the Twenty20 internationalseries against England.
The Windies has named a 13-man group for the three matches,the first of which takes place on Tuesday, with Jason Holder selected ascaptain ahead of regular T20 skipper Carlos Brathwaite.
But they will be without Russell, after the team confirmedon Monday that the all-rounder was withdrawn from the squad “due to anadverse reaction he had to a medical procedure”.
Despite that disappointment, the Windies will look to usethe series to build towards the World Cup, explaining Holder’s leadership role.
“After discussion with the coach surroundingpreparation for the ICC CWC 2019, it was proposed that we retain the ODI squadto play the T20 matches against England,” said chairman of selectorsCourtney Browne.
“After deliberations with captain, coach and the panel,we all are of the opinion that it would aid in the team’s World Cuppreparations.”
West Indies T20 squad: Jason Holder (captain), Fabian Allen,Devendra Bishoo, Carlos Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, John Campbell, SheldonCottrell, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Ashley Nurse, NicholasPooran, Oshane Thomas.