St, Johns (Antigua), June 9 (IANS) Young batters Ackeem Auguste and Jewel Andrew, along with all-rounder Shamar Springer, have been called up to the West Indies’ T20I squad for three-match series against Sri Lanka in Jamaica, while fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has been rested as a part of workload management.

Shamar Joseph, who returned home ahead of the third ODI against the Sri Lankans due to personal reasons, is expected to return ahead of the series on June 9.

“Exciting young batting talents Ackeem Auguste and Jewel Andrew, along with all-rounder Shamar Springer, are the three changes to the squad that featured at the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, where the Men in Maroon fell just short of reaching the semi-finals.

“Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph was not considered for selection as part of workload management plans and will continue his training and preparation ahead of the two-match test series being held in Antigua,” CWI said in a statement.

This series marks the West Indies’ first T20 assignment since the team’s strong showing in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in February and March and forms an important part of long-term preparations for the 2028 edition in Australia and New Zealand.

Head Coach Daren Sammy believes the series offers an excellent opportunity for the players to entertain home supporters while showcasing an exciting brand of cricket.

“This series is an important one for us as it’s our first since the World Cup in India, where the team played with passion, fight and the togetherness that West Indies cricket is built on. Our focus now is to build on those foundations, continue growing as a team and make our fans proud with the way we compete against Sri Lanka,” Sammy said.

The series in Jamaica commences on June 11, will be followed by two Tests in Antigua. Sri Lanka won the ODI series 1-0 with the final two matches washed out.

West Indies squad: Shai Hope (c), Jewel Andrew, Ackeem Auguste, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Shamar Springer

Series schedule:

First T20I: June 11, Sabina Park, Jamaica

Second T20I: June 13, Sabina Park, Jamaica

Third T20I: June 14, Sabina Park, Jamaica

–IANS

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