Shai Hope, McCoy In For...? WI's Probable XI For T20 WC Game Vs USA

West Indies likely to make multiple changes in XI vs USA (X.com)West Indies likely to make multiple changes in XI vs USA (X.com)

A wounded West Indies will face the USA for its second and crucial Group 2 game of the 2024 T20 World Cup’s Super 8 round on June 22, 6.00 am IST at the Kensington Oval ground in Barbados.

West Indies were hell-bent against England in the first game of the Super 8 round courtesy of an incredible show from Nicholas Pooran. However, the Windies dropped the game with the ball as Phil Salt unleashed unreal carnage to finish the 181-run chase with 15 balls to spare.

While West Indies will seek redemption against the USA, the quest will be challenging to some extent, with an injury setback looming over the team.

West Indies dynamic opener Brandon King walked out retired hurt against England after suffering from a side strain. King had just slammed a 101-metre six before the fateful incident happened, and he had to be taken off the field. 

West Indies cricket confirmed a side strain diagnosis and revealed that King won’t be able to take the field against England. Meanwhile, his fitness status is still uncertain, and it’s highly likely that Brandon King will be snubbed off the starting lineup against the USA.

That being said, King’s injury can pave the way for Shai Hope. The finisher scored 25 runs off 17 deliveries in the only game he got to play in this tournament against Afghanistan. 

Besides the forced change, Rovman Powell can also consider replacing Romario Shepherd for Obed McCoy. Shepherd hasn’t necessarily been the impactful all-rounder West Indies envisioned him to be. In four games, he scored 23 runs, with 13 being his highest score against New Zealand. 

With the ball, Shepherd has been incredibly terrible. He picked a wicket each against PNG and Uganda before recording over 9 economy against New Zealand and England. Phil Salt hammered him for 30 runs in an over in the latest Super 8 game as well. 

Hence, Obed McCoy is a much better option for Powell to consider in place of Romario Shepherd.


West Indies Probable Playing XI vs USA

Johnson Charles, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Roston Chase, Rovman Powell (c), Sherfane Rutherford, Shai Hope, Andre Russell, Obed McCoy, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie