After an absence of more than two years, batsman Chris Gayle has been recalled to West Indies’ ODI squad for the series against England.
Opener Gayle earned his inclusion – along with Marlon Samuels, whose last ODI outing was in October – after unsettled relationships with the West Indies Cricket Board. Several high-profile stars have been involved in a long-running contractual dispute with administrators, and Gayle last played an ODI at the 2015 World Cup.
The 37-year-old has scored more 50-over runs for West Indies than any batsman, except for Brian Lara, and the left-hander’s return to the fold comes after he played a T20 international against India in July. Samuels has played 187 ODIs, scoring 10 centuries and taking 85 wickets.
Selectors Chairman Courtney Browne said, “With regards to the selection of the ODI squad, the panel welcomes back Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels, who will both add value to our batting and help with the nurturing of the young batsmen in the team.”
The squad is still missing Dwayne Bravo and Sunil Narine, both of whom have indicated they are willing to return to international cricket – in Bravo’s case after an absence of almost three years. Browne said, “Narine has confirmed his desire to play 50-over cricket again but has asked to play in our Regional Super50 before he is considered. Bravo said that he is still not 100 per cent fit, but is looking at a possible return to international cricket next year.”
Bravo continues to make himself unavailable, while neither Gayle nor Samuels will form part of a Test side, which came in for heavy criticism after their innings defeat at Edgbaston. Windies take on Ireland in a one-off ODI in Belfast on September 13 before facing England in a five-match Royal London Series.
Windies squad: Sunil Ambris, Devendra Bishoo, Miguel Cummins, Chris Gayle, Jason Holder (captain), Kyle Hope, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Jason Mohammed (vice captain), Ashley Nurse, Rovman Powell, Marlon Samuels, Jerome Taylor, Kesrick Williams
