West Indies rest Alzarri Joseph as fresh faces earn call-up for Sri Lanka T20I series

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West Indies have announced their squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, with star fast bowler Alzarri Joseph notably absent from the lineup. Cricket West Indies (CWI) confirmed that the pacer has been rested as part of a workload management plan ahead of the two-match Test series against the same opponents.

The series marks West Indies’ first T20I assignment since their campaign at the 2026 T20 World Cup, where they emerged as one of the tournament’s most competitive teams and remained in the hunt for a semifinal berth until the latter stages. With preparations already underway for future international commitments, the selectors have opted to make a few changes to the squad while maintaining the core group that impressed at the global event.

Joseph’s omission is not injury-related and comes as a precautionary measure to manage the demands placed on one of West Indies’ premier fast bowlers. The management believes the rest period will help him remain fresh for the longer format, with an important Test series against Sri Lanka scheduled immediately after the T20Is.

His absence opens the door for other bowlers to step up and take on greater responsibility in the shortest format. While Joseph’s pace and experience will be missed, the squad still possesses considerable firepower through the likes of Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Shamar Joseph and Matthew Forde.

The selectors have introduced three players into the squad compared to the group that featured at the T20 World Cup. Ackeem Auguste, Jewel Andrew and Shamar Springer have all earned recalls and will be eager to make an impact. The trio replaces Johnson Charles, Quentin Sampson and Jayden Seales. Auguste and Andrew add depth to the batting unit, while Springer provides an all-round option capable of contributing with both bat and ball.

All three players have represented West Indies in T20 cricket before, giving the team management confidence that they can adapt quickly and strengthen the squad during the home series.

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Another positive development for the hosts is the expected return of fast bowler Shamar Joseph. The pacer had left the squad before the third ODI against Sri Lanka but is now set to rejoin the team ahead of the T20I leg of the tour. Sri Lanka recently claimed the ODI series 1-0 after rain washed out both the second and third matches. The visitors will now look to carry that momentum into the T20Is, while West Indies aim to bounce back in front of their home supporters.

The three-match T20I series will be played at Sabina Park in Jamaica on June 11, 13 and 14. Led by Shai Hope, West Indies will be eager to start this new phase on a winning note against a Sri Lankan side that arrives with confidence after their ODI success.

West Indies squad for Sri Lanka T20Is: Shai Hope (c), Jewel Andrew, Ackeem Auguste, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd and Shamar Springer.

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