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Alzarri Joseph Appointed Vice-Captain, Matthew Forde Earns Maiden Call-up for England ODIs

image-lp7eiyirMatthew Forde. (X.Com)

Uncapped at the ODI level, batting all-rounder Sherfane Rutherford and seam-bowling all-rounder Matthew Forde have received a call-up in the 15-player squad for the upcoming three-match ODI Series against England, starting next month in Antigua.

The recall of veteran keeper batter Shane Dowrich, who last played an ODI in May 2019, and opener Kjorn Ottley, with two ODIs in January 2021, adds experience to the ODI team.

WI squad for ENG series

In another significant development, Alzarri Joseph has been named the new vice-captain by Cricket West Indies (CWI), serving as the deputy to Captain Shai Hope. Chief Selector Desmond Haynes highlighted Joseph's maturity and leadership qualities demonstrated with the Leeward Islands Hurricanes during the recent Super50 Cup, expressing belief in his potential as a future leader in West Indies cricket.

"We named Alzarri Joseph as vice captain as he demonstrated maturity and good leadership qualities for the Leeward Islands Hurricanes during the recent CG United Super50 Cup. We believe with exposure and opportunities he could be a future leader in West Indies cricket,"  said Chief Selector Desmond Haynes.

As per information provided by CWI, star all-rounder Jason Holder opted out of selection to focus on preparations for Test and T20I formats. Wicket-keeper batter Nicholas Pooran, similarly, was unavailable for ODI selection as he prioritizes preparations for the T20I format. 

Additionally, Justin Greaves was ruled out of consideration due to an injury sustained during the recently concluded Super50 Cup.

Haynes lauded the emerging young pacer Matthew Forde, describing him as a whole-hearted cricketer who impressed. Forde, a product of the West Indies Academy program, is seen as a player shaping the future of West Indies cricket.

In preparation for the series, the West Indies squad will convene for a training camp in Antigua starting Monday, November 20. The tour commences with two ODIs at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua on Sunday, December 3, and Wednesday, December 6. Subsequently, the caravan moves to Barbados for the third and final ODI at Kensington Oval on Saturday, December 9.