West Indies Announce 16-Member Squad for Australia T20I Series

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Cricket West Indies (CWI) has officially announced the 16-member squad for the upcoming five-match T20 International (T20I) series against Australia, scheduled to take place from July 20 to July 28, 2025, at Sabina Park in Jamaica and Warner Park in St. Kitts. This series is significant as it provides an opportunity for the West Indies to build momentum ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.

The squad features two first-time T20 call-ups: Jewel Andrew and Jediah Blades. Andrew, an 18-year-old batting prospect and backup wicketkeeper, has recently garnered attention for his impressive performance against spin bowling. Jediah Blades, a left-arm seamer who made his international debut against Bangladesh in 2024, was highlighted for his performance during the inaugural West Indies Breakout League, where he excelled in the powerplay overs.

West Indies will be led by Shai Hope, continuing as captain, with experienced players such as Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, and Rovman Powell included in the lineup. Head Coach Daren Sammy has emphasized the importance of continuity and strategy as the team aims to refine its explosive style of cricket and enhance its ranking in the international arena.

“Our goals and strategic plans are aligned to winning the T20 World Cup in 2026,” said Sammy. “We have continuity in the squad from the previous series and as a unit, we will continue to fine-tune our style and brand ahead of the World Cup.”

The West Indies have faced challenges in their recent home series, having lost the last two T20 series. However, Sammy expressed optimism about reclaiming a winning record at home against Australia. “Starting against Australia, we want to regain our form at home as we build momentum into next year’s World Cup with our exciting and dynamic group of players,” he added.

The upcoming series is part of a broader strategy to prepare the team for the international T20 format, ensuring that they are competitive on the global stage. The matches will be held with the aim of not only winning but also of further developing the skills of the younger players in the squad.

**West Indies Squad for T20I Series vs. Australia:** - Shai Hope (Captain) - Jewel Andrew - Jediah Blades - Roston Chase - Matthew Forde - Shimron Hetmyer - Jason Holder - Akeal Hosein - Alzarri Joseph - Brandon King - Evin Lewis - Gudakesh Motie - Rovman Powell - Andre Russell - Sherfane Rutherford - Romario Shepherd

**Team Management:** - Head Coach: Daren Sammy - Team Manager: Rawl Lewis - Assistant Coach (Batting): Floyd Reifer - Assistant Coach (Bowling): Ravi Rampaul - Assistant Coach (Fielding): Rayon Griffith - Physiotherapist: Dr. Denis Byam - Strength & Conditioning Coach: Ronald Rogers - Massage Therapist: Darc Browne - Team Analyst: Avenesh Seetaram - Media & Content Officer: Jerome Foster

**Match Schedule:** - 1st T20I: July 20 – Sabina Park, Jamaica - 2nd T20I: July 22 – Sabina Park, Jamaica - 3rd T20I: July 25 – Warner Park, St. Kitts - 4th T20I: July 26 – Warner Park, St. Kitts - 5th T20I: July 28 – Warner Park, St. Kitts

All matches are set to commence at 7:00 PM local time. As the West Indies look towards this series against a formidable opponent in Australia, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the team will perform and what strides they will make in their quest for T20 success.