West Indies all-rounders Andre Russell and Jason Holder will take a break during this month’s three-match Twenty20 home series against South Africa. Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced this decision on Sunday, giving both players time to rest and recover.
Matthew Forde, a medium pacer, and Fabian Allen, an all-rounder, will make their return to the squad. Allen missed the T20 World Cup, which was co-hosted by the West Indies in June.
CWI’s Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, explained, “Andre Russell requested some rest, and Jason Holder needed recovery time after playing five back-to-back Tests against England and South Africa.” He added that both players would work closely with the CWI science and medicine team during their rest period.
The 15-man squad also misses fast bowler Alzarri Joseph, who was rested for the recent Test series against South Africa, and injured opening batter Brandon King.
Head coach Daren Sammy expressed confidence in the team, saying, “I’m confident in the squad we’ve selected. With the next T20 World Cup in 2026 in mind, I know the players will be eager to prove their hunger for success.”
The T20 series will take place on August 23, August 25, and August 27 at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago.
West Indies Squad: Rovman Powell (captain), Roston Chase, Alick Athanaze, Johnson Charles, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Fabian Allen, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Obed McCoy, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas Pooran, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd.
