JELANI BECKLES
WEST Indies will be hunting their third T20 World Cup title when the 2022 edition bowls off in Australia.
West Indies, winners of the 2012 and 2016 tournaments, will compete in the qualifying tournament from Monday in an effort to advance to the Super 12s.
The regional team will participate in Group B of the qualifying tournament alongside Scotland, Zimbabwe and Ireland.
The top two teams in Group A and Group B of the qualifying tournament will advance to the Super 12s, bowling off on October 22.
This reporter breaks down the West Indies squad looking at what can make the team a threat and what can possibly make the tournament a disappointing one.
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="660"] Man-of-the-Match Alzarri Joseph during his spell 4-32.[/caption]
EXPERIENCED PLAYERS NOT AROUND
What a difference a year makes. A number of players who were part of the West Indies squad for the 2021 T20 World Cup last year in United Arab Emirates and Oman are not in the team for the 2022 edition.
Kieron Pollard, the West Indies captain last year, has since retired from international cricket. Nicholas Pooran, who was the vice-captain in 2021, is now in charge of the regional team.
Pollard’s fiery captaincy and power hitting will be a loss to the team.
All-rounder Dwayne Bravo retired from international cricket after the 2021 edition. The charismatic Bravo has a knack for grabbing crucial wickets and his slower ball would often outfox batsmen.
Opener and top order batsman Lendl Simmons is another player who has chosen to hang up his boots at international level.
Opener Chris Gayle, 43, has been struggling for form in recent years. Gayle has not officially retired from international cricket, but has been overlooked by the West Indies selectors since the 2021 World Cup.
Andre Russell last played for West Indies at the 2021 World Cup. Russell has not had the best relationship with West Indies officials and is not in Australia with the team.
At a media conference in August, West Indies coach Phil Simmons was asked if he is concerned with players, including Russell, not making themselves available for West Indies.
Simmons said, “I don’t think that I should be begging people to play for their country.”
Days later, Russell responded on social media by saying, "I know this was coming, but am gonna stay quiet!!!"
Shimron Hetmyer was replaced in the squad by Shamarh Brooks at the last minute. Guyanese Hetmyer did not catch his initial flight due to family reasons. When another flight was arranged for him two days later he said he would not be able to get to the airport in time.
Seasoned pacer Ravi Rampaul is also not in this year’s squad.
[caption id="attachment_980702" align="alignnone" width="1024"] West Indies' bowler Akeal Hosein celebrates the dismissal of New Zealand's Michael Bracewell during the second ODI at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, on August 19. (AP PHOTO) -[/caption]
BOWLERS JOSEPH, MCCOY, HOSEIN KEY
Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has developed his skills
