Key Players Rested as West Indies Announce Squad for South Africa Series

 

### West Indies Rest Key Players for T20I Series Against South Africa

A host of first-choice regulars will sit out the three-match series against the Proteas as a pair of stars stay in India for the completion of the IPL. The West Indies have announced their 15-player squad for this week's T20I series at home against South Africa.

The series will provide much of their squad with crucial preparation for next month's ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, featuring several of their prominent players against the Proteas.

**West Indies Reveal Squad for T20 World Cup**

Batter Brandon King will captain the side as regular skipper Rovman Powell is rested. Additionally, regular top-order performers Shai Hope and Nicholas Pooran will sit out to gain valuable rest before the T20 World Cup following their extensive participation in the IPL.

Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph and key batter Sherfane Rutherford will stay with their IPL teams for the playoffs and will only join the West Indies squad if their teams do not reach the IPL final.

### Haynes Sees South Africa Series as Crucial for West Indies T20 World Cup Preparations

Chief selector Desmond Haynes believes the three-match series against South Africa will provide West Indies players with vital opportunities to secure their spots for the T20 World Cup opener against Papua New Guinea on June 2.

“These are among the last competitive T20 International matches before the start of the World Cup," Haynes said. "Players have the opportunity to fine-tune their skills and ensure they are as prepared as they can be for the World Cup, whether they are in the final squad or the reserve pool.”

### West Indies Coach Daren Sammy Focuses on Team Combinations Ahead of T20 World Cup

West Indies coach Daren Sammy emphasized that the upcoming series against South Africa will be crucial for determining the best team combinations ahead of the ninth edition of the T20 World Cup.

“We have not played together as a team since the Australia series, but we just completed a very high-intensity training camp in Antigua," Sammy said. "Now we have the chance to integrate some of our players returning from the IPL and build some momentum as a group going into the World Cup.”

**Official ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Anthem**  

‘Out of this World’ by Sean Paul and Kes

**West Indies Squad:**

- Brandon King (c)

- Roston Chase

- Fabian Allen

- Alick Athanaze

- Johnson Charles

- Andre Fletcher

- Matthew Forde

- Jason Holder

- Akeal Hosein

- Shamar Joseph

- Kyle Mayers

- Obed McCoy

- Gudakesh Motie

- Romario Shepherd

- Hayden Walsh Jr.

**Series Schedule:**

- First T20I: Jamaica, May 23

- Second T20I: Jamaica, May 25

- Third T20I: Jamaica, May 26