Russell returns in 18-man provisional WI T20 squad

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC):

West Indies selectors have named an 18-man provisional Twenty20 International squad for upcoming series against South Africa, Australia and Pakistan.

The squad, which will be led by Kieron Pollard, sees a recall for explosive all-rounder Andre Russell, who has not featured for West Indies in 14 months.

Left-hander Shimron Hetmyer and fast bowler Oshane Thomas, both of whom have struggled with fitness issues in recent months, have been included.

The group will train in St Lucia in preparation for the South Africa series, which bowls off June 26, before the final squad is selected for the five-match series.

SQUAD – Kieron Pollard (captain), Nicholas Pooran (vice captain), Fabian Allen, Dwayne Bravo, Sheldon Cottrell, Fidel Edwards, Andre Fletcher, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Evin Lewis, Obed McCoy, Andre Russell, Lendl Simmons, Kevin Sinclair, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr.