Cricket West Indies lead selector, Desmond Haynes believes that the current crop of players are capable of filling the void left by former captain, Kieron Pollard.
Haynes was at the time speaking during a press conference that proceeded the naming of the West Indies squad for the upcoming white-ball tours to the Netherlands and Pakistan, the first since Pollard announced his retirement.
This will be the first couple of tours with Nicholas Pooran as full time captain but the side will also be without the services of premier all rounder, Jason Holder
“When you look at Pollard’s contribution both on and off the field, it isn’t something you say you will take lightly but I think he will be missed but I think people like Rovman Powell, you’ve got people like Kyle Mayers, people like Romario Shepherd, you’ve got a lot of guys, even Akeal [Hosein] playing in the middle there who can bat a little bit and bowl,” he said.
“I think we’ve got a lot of all-rounders. Yes, we are going to miss Pollard but I believe we’ve got enough there to do the job for us,” Haynes added.
Pollard, who turns 35 tomorrow, represented the West Indies in 123 One Day Internationals, scoring three centuries and 13 half centuries to go with his 55 wickets. He also played in 101 T20Is, making six fifties at a strike rate of 136 and taking 42 wickets.
According to Haynes, the new comers should have an ultimate goal of playing for the West Indies and to get the opportunity to play for the nation is a big step. He explained that from a personal standpoint, he is hopeful that the new players can grab the opportunity with both hands.
The newbies are Jayden Seales and Shermon Lewis, both of whom played Test cricket and Keacy Carty who is the first player from St. Maarten to be selected in the senior men’s side.
“This is the perfect opportunity for the youngsters to get a chance to show their worth and again we talk about broadening the pool…this is opportunity for the youngsters I think it is a good one and I really hope they could grab it and take advantage of this opportunity,” He said.
West Indies squad: Nicholas Pooran (captain), Shai Hope (vice captain), Nkrumah Bonner, Shamarh Brooks, Keacy Carty, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Shermon Lewis, Kyle Mayers, Anderson Phillip, Rovman Powell, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Hayden Walsh Jnr
