Injured Kieron Pollard has been ruled out of the Pakistan series
Kieron Pollard will miss the Pakistan trip due to a hamstring injury sustained during the recently ended 2021 T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates. The 34-year-old is said to be out of shape and requires additional time to restore match fitness. Cricket prediction should favour the Pakistani side for sure.
In the 34-year-absence, old’s Nicholas Pooran has been named captain for the T20I series, while Shai Hope will skipper the ODIs. For the ODI and T20I teams, Devon Thomas and Rovman Powell have been named Pollard’s successors. They will want to impress with the cricket bat for sure.
Meanwhile, Pollard will continue his rehabilitation and recuperation in Trinidad under the supervision of physios and doctors before the West Indies’ series against Ireland and England.
The latest update on this series that is set to happen between these two teams
As of now, the squad will arrive in Pakistan on December 9 and will play three T20Is and as many T20Is from December 13 to 22 at Karachi’s National Stadium.
The ODIs will all be part of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League, which guarantees direct qualifying for the top seven countries plus the hosts (India) for the ODI World Cup in 2023. Currently, the West Indies are rated eighth out of 13 teams, with four wins and five defeats, whereas Pakistan is placed seventh, with similar wins and losses.
The series will also see the return of fans to the stadium, as the Pakistan Cricket Board has received clearance from the National Command and Control Center (NCOC) in this respect. Since the pandemic’s advent, all cricket in Pakistan has been played behind closed doors.
The further numbers that will matter when the West Indies face off against Pakistan
The New Zealand series was projected to draw audiences of up to 25% capacity, however, the visiting team cancelled the trip at the last minute due to security concerns.
He will be missed by a West Indies team with a lack of veteran players. Jason Holder, Andre Russell, Evin Lewis, and Shimron Hetmyer are not on the rosters for the teams. ODI players like Justin Greaves, Shamarh Brooks, Gudakesh Motie, and Odean Smith are among the more potential newcomers, while Dominic Drakes and Motie are in the T20I group.
When Pooran has been acting as captain, the West Indies have enjoyed a good run. Earlier this year, they beat Australia 4-1 at home under his command. Meanwhile, Pooran will serve as Hope’s T20I vice-captain and Hope as Pooran’s ODI vice-captain.
West Indies Squad for Pakistan Tour
One-Day Internationals
Shai Hope (captain), Nicholas Pooran (vice-captain), Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Anderson Phillip, Raymon Reifer, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Devon Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr
T20 Internationals
Nicholas Pooran (captain), Shai Hope (vice-captain), Darren Bravo, Roston Chase, Sheldon Cottrell, Dominic Drakes, Akeal Hosein, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr
Is this a positive sign for the future of West Indies cricket?
With veteran players like Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo ending their career at the T20 World Cup, it is time for the young guns of the West Indies to now shine and take charge. They will want to make an impact against a strong opposition and win some games.
Though the rebuilding process may take some time, the team will be focused on short-term goals. They will want to get the job done in this series first and then focus on the big picture. Beating Pakistan will not be easy, as they have a really strong side.
That was something that was quite visible in the T20 World Cup as well. The Asian side impressed the spectators by producing some great cricket. They were eliminated from the competition by eventual winners Australia. This will be something that they will want to work on for the upcoming tournament.
On the other hand, the Windies will also be working on building a top team to challenge for the tournament. They are the most successful team in the competition and will now want to win it for a third time. Let’s wait and watch to see whether they can actually do something substantial in this series or the upcoming competition or not!!
