West Indies will kick-start their three-match ODI series against Bangladesh on December 8 at Warner Park in St Kitts and Nevis.
The hosts, under Shai Hope, have an uphill task ahead of them after recent changes to the squad. Injuries to key pacers Matthew Forde and Shamar Joseph have opened the door for Marquino Mindley and Jediah Blades, who will look to make an impression following impressive performances in the Super50 tournament.
The Caribbean side will look to experienced campaigners such as Shimron Hetmyer and Brandon King to hold the batting together. Their bowling attack, spearheaded by Alzarri Joseph, will look to seize the initiative from familiar conditions.
Bangladesh, led by Mehidy Hasan Miraz in the absence of Najmul Hossain Shanto, comes into the series on the back of a Test win in the West Indies. The visitors, however, will miss the services of Shakib Al Hasan and Towhid Hridoy.
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West Indies squad
Shai Hope (captain), Brandon King (vice-captain), Jediah Blades, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, Shimron Hetmyer, Amir Jangoo (wk), Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Marquino Mindley, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd
West Indies Playing 11 vs Bangladesh- 1st ODI, Bangladesh tour of West Indies 2024
Openers: Brandon King, Evin Lewis
Brandon King and Evin Lewis open for the Windies in the ODI series against Bangladesh- combining stability and firepower at the top. King- averaged 43.33 in ODIs last year and has developed into a reliable anchor.
Seasoned campaigner Evin Lewis returns to the ODI fold with a reputation as one of the Caribbean’s most destructive batters. Known for his ability to dismantle bowling attacks, Lewis boasts an ODI career strike rate of 86.8 and seven centuries in 58 innings.
Middle-order batsmen and allrounders: Keacy Carty, Shai Hope, Sherfane Rutherford, Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase
Keacy Carty could stabilize; he’ll keep the strike rotating. Shai Hope, their go-to guy, averaging 49.90 for his one-day career and possessing such composure.
Sherfane Rutherford and Shimron Hetmyer bring explosive firepower, able to shift momentum with quick runs. Rutherford’s ability to clear boundaries will complement Hetmyer’s flair for counterattacking spin.
Roston Chase offers balance as a batting allrounder with contributions with both the bat and his tidy off-spin.
Bowlers: Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales, Marquino Mindley
The West Indies bowling attack for the ODI series against Bangladesh is a combination of pace and spin. Alzarri Joseph will lead the pace department, supported by Jayden Seales, whose ball-swinging ability makes him a key threat with the new ball.
Gudakesh Motie will lead the spin attack, providing variety and control in the middle overs. Marquino Mindley, likely to make his debut, brings fresh energy to the lineup.