West Indies white-ball coach Darren Sammy has voiced his displeasure with fast bowler Alzarri Joseph’s behavior during the decisive third One Day International (ODI) against England on Wednesday night. Despite Joseph’s contribution of two wickets, his conduct on the field drew criticism from Sammy, as the West Indies clinched the series 2-1 with an emphatic eight-wicket victory.

The match, held at Kensington Oval in Barbados, saw a record-breaking second-wicket stand of 209 runs between Kaecy Carty, who scored an unbeaten 128, and Brandon King, who added 102. Their efforts helped the West Indies easily chase down England’s total of 263-8 in 50 overs.

However, it was Joseph’s behavior during the fourth over of the England innings that became a talking point. The fast bowler appeared frustrated with a field placement and had a visible disagreement with captain Shai Hope. After removing Jordan Cox caught behind on the fourth ball, Joseph did not celebrate with his teammates, instead returning to his mark without acknowledging the dismissal. At the end of the over, he left the field unannounced, forcing the West Indies to start the fifth over with only ten players.

Speaking to TalkSPORT after the match, Sammy did not mince words, labeling Joseph’s actions as unacceptable.

"Behavior like that is unacceptable on my cricket field," Sammy said. "We will be friends… but in the culture I'm trying to build, that’s unacceptable. We will definitely have a chat about that."

Joseph returned to the field for the sixth over but did not resume bowling until the 12th. After two misfields that allowed England to score through overthrows, he left the field again, returning later to bowl a few overs in the middle and his remaining three at the death. He finished the match with figures of 2 for 45 from his 10 overs, adding Dan Mousley to his list of victims.

Sammy, who took over as head coach in May 2023, is renowned for his man-management skills, having successfully persuaded several notable players, including Andre Russell and Evin Lewis, to rejoin the international squad. Known for fostering a strong team culture, Sammy emphasized his commitment to addressing issues constructively.

"I pride myself on having the difficult conversations," Sammy said. "But in a way that everybody understands what is needed to be done. To see guys going out there and slowly progressing in the right direction makes me proud. There’s still a lot of work to be done, but it’s one that I’m quite passionate about."

As the West Indies prepare for a five-match T20 series against England, Sammy hinted that seasoned players Nicholas Pooran and Akeal Hosein, who missed the recent series against Sri Lanka, may make their return.

"We’ve got a couple of senior players who were not in Sri Lanka that we expect to be back," Sammy revealed. "Our T20 team is our most successful team and our most settled team. So, yes, we incorporate some new guys to give them that exposure, but our T20 team normally picks itself."

With an eye on building a resilient and disciplined squad, Sammy’s leadership will undoubtedly focus on setting a standard for on-field behavior as the team moves forward in both formats.

West Indies white-ball coach Darren Sammy was both encouraged and frustrated after his team’s five-wicket loss to England in the second ODI in North Sound, Antigua, on Saturday.

Despite a standout batting performance that saw West Indies post a formidable 328-6, Sammy believes missed opportunities in the bowling department ultimately handed England the edge. England chased down the total with relative ease, finishing on 329-5 with captain Liam Livingstone’s masterful unbeaten 124 leading the way.

“It is tough. Obviously, when you put 328 on the board, you expect to win. However, that is the beauty of international cricket; at the halfway stage, when one aspect of the job is done, you can never be complacent about it. Yes, Liam Livingstone played a brilliant innings to get his team home, but I thought as a bowling group our execution was really off, hence we lost a record chase here in Antigua,” Sammy said in a post-game interview.

While disappointed with the loss, Sammy found reasons for optimism, particularly in captain Shai Hope’s exceptional 117—his 17th ODI century—which was the highlight of the innings and pushed him to joint third on the all-time West Indies ODI century list.

Hope received ample support from Keacy Carty (71) and Sherfane Rutherford (54), whose solid contributions underscored the team’s depth in the middle order.

“I think we did some really good things; Shai Hope another 100, the joint fourth most by a West Indian, the way Keacy Carty batted, as well as Sherfane Rutherford making a fourth-consecutive 50. The way Matthew Forde bowled and the way Roston Chase came back after being put under pressure in the second over,” Sammy reasoned.

“So we were right in the game until the last 10 overs, where I think they scored 100 off seven overs; that is not good enough. But I think as a team, it is about understanding where we are at and the small steps that we have to take to improve,” he noted.

With Livingstone anchoring England’s chase alongside contributions from Phil Salt (59), Jacob Bethell (55), and Sam Curran (52), Sammy acknowledged that the West Indies bowling attack could have been more effective in applying pressure to seal the win after Hope’s brilliance.

“I think Shai will be the first one to tell you that it (his knock) doesn’t matter because it came off a losing cause. But, as I said before, Shai Hope is a class act and one of our icons in ODI cricket, but I know he would want nothing more than a win instead of a hundred.

“Again, it (the overall performance) shows that we are still far off but we are making little strides that will help us along our way with the goal that we have moving forward,” Sammy explained.

With the three-match series now tied 1-1, Sammy expressed hope that West Indies will bring their best game to the decider in Barbados on Wednesday.

“This is a rivalry, so we have all to play for at home. The last time we played in Barbados, we made history and won, so I am hoping we can again. It is two young teams looking to develop and get better in ODI cricket. Again, it is all to play for, so if the fans come out and support, in return, we have to give you guys something to smile about in Barbados,” Sammy ended.

West Indies white-ball Head Coach Darren Sammy is brimming with confidence about his squad’s readiness as they prepare to kick start their tour of Sri Lanka with the first of three T20Is on Sunday.

Sammy’s confidence stems from the fact that most, if not all, of his players benefitted from the intensity and high-level competition of the recently-concluded Caribbean Premier League (CPL) season, which served as ideal preparation for them to deliver competitive performances in what will be a challenging tour in subcontinental conditions.

Following their three-match T20 series, which ends next Thursday, Sammy’s side will also engage their host in a three-match ODI series, scheduled to begin on October 20.

“The good thing is we are coming from our Caribbean Premier League, so most, if not all, the guys have been playing cricket, which is a plus when you have a series that comes so close after a tournament. So, us travelling here to Sri Lanka, the most important thing is the recovery of the guys,” Sammy shared shortly after arriving in Sri Lanka.

“So we are going to have a couple days to do that and a training session before our first game on Sunday. But looking from what transpired in the CPL, my guys are ready to take on a really strong Sri Lanka team,” he added.

Brandon King gathers his gears shortly after arrival. (Photo: Daily Mirror)

Sammy, who has always been vocal about fostering a winning culture within the team, emphasized that the squad’s depth would be a crucial factor in the upcoming series.

This, as the Caribbean side, West Indies, will be bolstered by the inclusion of fresh faces like all-rounders Terrence Hinds and Shamar Springer, both of whom have been rewarded for their strong domestic performances. Sammy expressed his excitement about seeing how these new talents integrate with the more experienced members of the team.

“If you notice, we are trying the depth of our squad. We've given some guys some opportunities with the World Cup coming up in less than 20 months, so with some of our senior players being unavailable, I'm looking to see how far, how great our depth could be. But, obviously, the main purpose is to win series,” Sammy declared.

“We've been doing well so far and giving guys opportunities to build and develop, so I'm really excited. Sri Lanka is a young team; since Jayasuriya took over, there's been a new energy and confidence in that team. So it will be a good series for us and a good tester for us to see where we are in the depth that we have in the Caribbean,” he reasoned.

Sammy also pointed out that the inclusion of players like Hinds and Springer reflects the broader strategy of building a versatile squad capable of adjusting to different match situations and conditions.

“Obviously the roles that they are going to be playing, especially with the ball in the backend, is a role that we are looking for and trying to find specific guys to do that. So this series, although it's short—only three games—gives them the opportunity to see and have a taste of the international flavour of cricket.

Members of the West Indies delegation. (Photo: Daily Mirror)

“So hopefully, when the opportunity comes, we could judge where they are. But I have full confidence from what I saw in the Caribbean Premier League—the skill set, the temperament they've shown already. That's why they are here with us, and I'm looking forward to what they could do on the international scene,” Sammy noted.

While the conditions will undoubtedly require adjustments, Sammy’s optimism stems from the team’s diverse skill set.

“The conditions, based on the data that Avenesh [Seetaram] has given us, are that the pitches are good for batting, and just looking at the recent Lanka Premier League, some of the places we played in Dambulla and Gandhi are places that produce high-scoring matches.

“So we will assess the conditions like we always do, and Avenesh will be spot on in giving us the data that we need to help us prepare, plan, and strategize, and I think we are more than ready,” he ended.

As St Lucia prepared to celebrate the immense achievements of its sprint queen Julien Alfred, the island’s Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) franchise, St Lucia Kings, ensured they were not left out, as players dedicated a dominant win over Trinidad and Tobago Knight Riders to the double Olympic medallist.

The Kings got the celebrations started on “Juju Arrival Day” on Tuesday with the 80-run win over TKR at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, to move into pole position on the CPL standings on 14 points.

Johnson Charles with a dazzling 89 set up the win as his 40-ball knock, which had eight sixes and seven fours, propelled the Kings to 218-6. They later restricted their host to 138-9.

Man of the Match, Charles, dedicated the victory to Alfred, who copped 100m gold and 200m silver at the Paris Olympic Games, a first for St Lucia. Prior to that, Alfred also became the first St Lucian to cop a World Indoor 60m title.

The 23-year-old returned to the island on Tuesday for the first time since her Olympic exploits.

“This one was dedicated to Julien “Juju” Alfred. Today (Tuesday) is our homecoming [for] our Olympic gold and silver medalist... so this one was dedicated to her. Thank you Juju for bringing home the gold and silver medal. We appreciate it. This one’s for you,” Charles said.

Head coach Daren Sammy commended his team for a solid all-around performance and was particularly pleased with the team’s execution with the ball.

“218 after losing the toss was really commendable. But what was even more commendable is the way my men in the hot sun, the bowlers, went and stuck to the plan.

“I thought Captain Faf was excellent with his matchups, making sure the right bowlers are bowling to the right matchups and exactly how we planned, it is exactly how we executed,” Sammy noted.

The Kings will aim to close out the preliminary round on a high when they face Guyana Amazon Warriors on Saturday ahead of the much-anticipated playoffs.

After hinting at retirement from international cricket following the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup back in June, West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell has made an about turn and is now aiming to parade his skills at the next global cricket showpiece in 2026.

Russell, who ahead of that World Cup said he believes the region possesses enough young talent to fill the gap after his departure, in the same breath, declared that he would be happy to return, if needed.

As such, the 36-year-old Jamaican will stick around just a bit longer, thanks to some convincing from West Indies white ball head coach Darren Sammy.

Interestingly, Russell’s return to international T20 action against England late last year, after a two-year absence, was also based on a conversation with Sammy, but beyond that, the explosive all-rounder pointed out that the emergence of exciting young talent in the region also influenced his decision to stay put—at least for another two years.

“I’ve talked with Sammy, and he said he wants me to keep playing some international cricket, and I think by looking around and seeing the talents that’s in the Caribbean, I think I’m going to push my body and push myself to play international cricket for another two years,” Russell declared.

One of the most feared all-rounders in T20 cricket, Russell, a two-time T20 World Cup winner for the West Indies, packs incredible power-hitting and athletic prowess that can change the course of a game single-handedly.

Though he has graced other formats of the game before, it is as a T20 legend, sought after by every franchise league in the world, that he will be remembered. Russell has experience in over 500 T20 matches with over 8,000 runs to his credit at a strike rate of just over 169. He also has over 450 wickets at a remarkable bowling average of 25.31.

Russell’s ability to clear the boundary with ease and finish innings on a high note is unparalleled, a quality he consistently demonstrates, both internationally and in franchise leagues.

While he will be 38 at the time of the next T20 World Cup to be hosted jointly in India and Sri Lanka, Russell said he still has enough in the tank to significantly contribute to the team’s future success both on and off the field.

“I could have walked away from the game international-wise, but I just want to see the youngsters do well in terms of all-rounders. So I definitely want to play the World Cup of 2026 because there is a lot of talent that you know we have, and I want to help nurture those young talents,” he said.

“I still can hit the ball anywhere I want to hit the ball, still bowling at a good pace, still fit, and can move around, so I don’t see why I should stop,” he added.

Having downed England 3-2 in their T20I series last year, West Indies are hoping to replicate those winning performances on an even bigger stage, as the two familiar foes square off in Super Eight of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, in St Lucia, on Wednesday night.

First ball is 7:30pm Jamaica time.

With both West Indies and England being two-time champions, the anticipation is high ahead of what should be another intriguing clash in which familiarity will bring success for one or the other.

However, West Indies captain Rovman Powell is optimistic that his team will come out tops and set the tone for the remainder of their Super Eight fixtures, while pushing England, the reigning champions, on the back foot.

Both teams have met 29 times in the game’s shortest format, with West Indies holding a 17-12 advantage, one which they are intent on extending, especially on the back of their rich vein of form. Still, while the Caribbean side enters the business end of the tournament unbeaten and England just squeezed through by virtue of a better net run rate than Scotland, Powell knows better that to take the opposition lightly.

“They are the defending champions and they are a very good team. So, it’s for us now to just sit and find some plans and see how those plans can work against them,” Powell said in a pre-match press conference.

West Indies celebrate after topping England in their five-match T20I series last year.

“We play them [England] actually every year, so they know a lot about us, we know a lot about them. It’s just that when you’re playing the game on the day, whoever gets on top has to stay on top for as long as possible,” he added.

With the venue –named in honour of their current coach Darren Sammy, who captained West Indies to World Cup triumph in 2012 and 2016 –being to their liking, Powell pointed out that they will once again be aiming to capitalise on the conditions in Saint Lucia. West Indies rewrote the record books a few times in their first game of the tournament at the venue on Monday, as they hammered Afghanistan by 104 runs.

West Indies have won six of 10 T20Is played at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, including five of the last six. But, Powell is well aware that England also have a liking to the venue, as they have never lost any of their previous three T20Is at the ground, including five years ago when they beat West Indies by four wickets.

“We always knew that St Lucia was going to be one of the better pitches to play matches on in the Caribbean because of our experience during CPL (Caribbean Premier League) and all the years of playing here,” Powell noted.

Obed McCoy (left) and Nicholas Pooran (back turned) starred for West Indies against Afghanistan.

“So, it’s good that we’re starting here, and we played one game on it (against Afghanistan) before the start of the Super Eights. We’re kind of a little bit accustomed to the boundaries and accustomed to the wicket. Hopefully, it would suit us a little bit more than the Englishmen,” he said.

On that note, Powell welcomed the headache that comes with selecting the most formidable 11, as pacer Obed McCoy replaced Romario Shepherd and did well, bagging 3-14 against Afghanistan, while Shai Hope, wo replaced Roston Chase in the middle order, also contributed handily to the victory.

Shepherd, who returned home for personal reasons ahead of the Afghanistan contest, is expected to rejoin the team for this Super Eight opener.

“It’s always good and encouraging when you give guys an opportunity and they take the opportunity because it makes for good competition within the squad. It’s for us as a selection panel – myself, the coach and the chairman – to actually sit down and try to find the best combination. It’s good that guys are putting themselves up and making it a little bit difficult to pick the team,” the Jamaican reasoned.

“I think a big part of my captaincy is giving guys opportunities and supporting them. Johnson Charles didn’t have particularly a good start to the World Cup but we always knew when he comes home, he’s going to feel at home, he’s going to feel his St Lucians behind him,” Powell shared.

Chris Gayle, the T20 cricket sensation and former West Indies star, has been named captain of the West Indies Champions for the upcoming World Championship of Legends 2024. This thrilling competition, set to begin on July 3rd in Birmingham, UK, promises to be a memorable event for cricket fans around the globe. Gayle is an ambassador for the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup being staged in the West Indies and USA.

Ajay Sethi, Chairman of Channel 2 Group Corporation, has taken ownership of the West Indies Champions franchise, bringing a new level of excitement and anticipation to the league. “I am thrilled to be part of the World Championship of Legends and to lead the West Indies Champions,” Sethi stated. “This league is a fantastic opportunity to unite some of the greatest cricket talents and provide fans with a nostalgic yet thrilling experience.”

Joining Gayle on the team are cricket greats Dwayne Smith, Samuel Badree, and Daren Sammy, making the West Indies Champions a formidable force in the tournament. Gayle expressed his excitement about leading the team, saying, “I look forward to rejoining my family in our quest to win the cup. It’s a delight to play more matches in prestigious tournaments like the World Championship of Legends and reconnect with our fans through this exciting format.”

The World Championship of Legends, approved by the England and Wales Cricket Board, will feature six prestigious franchises: India Champions, Australia Champions, England Champions, Pakistan Champions, South Africa Champions, and West Indies Champions.

Fans can expect an unforgettable experience with cricketing legends like Yuvraj Singh, Brett Lee, Kevin Pietersen, Jacques Kallis, Shahid Afridi, and Chris Gayle showing off the skills that made them champions of the sport.

 West Indies have enjoyed somewhat of a storming start to their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign, but it’s safe to say those victories over minnows Papua New Guinea and Uganda were always expected.

Though a bit shaky in a five-wicket win over Papua New Guinea in their Group C opener, West Indies backed that victory up with a convincing 134-run beating of newcomers Uganda. However, the Caribbean side will be hopeful of a better second half to the group stages, as they now have New Zealand to contend with, and Afghanistan to follow.

With four points already to their credit and New Zealand yet to get on the board, the Darren Sammy-coached West Indies is targeting another win, which would guarantee them a spot in the Super Eight, and basically eliminate the Black Caps.

A record crowd is anticipated for the encounter, scheduled to play under lights at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, in Trinidad and Tobago, on Wednesday.

While acknowledging that it will be an exciting challenge, West Indies captain Rovman Powell believes it is also an opportunity for his team to showcase the class and form that they have enjoyed over the past 15 months.

During that time, the now number-four ranked West Indies registered 2-1, 3-2 and 3-2 series wins over South Africa, India and England respectively, before losing 1-2 to Australia. Prior to the World Cup they swept South Africa 3-0 at Sabina Park.

"We are pretty confident; the boys been playing some very good cricket, and we know New Zealand will pose different challenge from our first two opponents. But having said that, once we just focus on ourselves and play good cricket, we should be okay,” Powell told journalists at a pre-game press conference on Tuesday.

"If you should look on the last year, the last twelve or 14 months, West Indies have played very good T20 cricket. So it's just a continuation of us doing that, even though it's a World Cup, the guys have done a lot of hard work coming into this World Cup, so hopefully we can show that hard work. It's two of the more traditional nations, Afghanistan and New Zealand, but I think once we focus on ourselves, we should be okay,” he added.

Given that New Zealand succumbed to a heavy 84-run defeat to Afghanistan, in a contest where they were bowled out for 75 runs, Powell said it signals some semblance of vulnerability in the opponents’ form and, as such, he and his team are looking to capitalise.

"If there's a good time to play New Zealand, I think it's definitely now. They're a little bit undercooked and the pressure is really on them because this game decides whether they go on or not. But, we're not focusing on New Zealand, we're focusing on what we have to do, and once we do what we have to do, then that will take care of itself,” Powell noted.

That said, the Jamaican once again declared their intentions to possibly secure an unprecedented third T20 World Cup title. West Indies won the 2012 and 2016 tournaments in Sri Lanka and India, and Powell is optimistic that they can now secure a title home soil, a feat he said would mean more to cricket in the region that just one more trophy.

“When you look on the benefits of playing a World Cup at home for West Indies cricket, it's an enormous benefit. If we should go on and win the World Cup, it would make us the first team to win a T20 World Cup at home. From a financial standpoint, it (hosting) boosts West Indies cricket economy, and is beneficial for so much different islands to be getting international cricket of such good standards, so that in itself is a beneficial factor,” Powell reasoned.

“For us as players, it's an opportunity for us to cement our space in West Indies cricket folklore, and winning a World Cup on home soil, not just myself as captain, but all the guys, will be remembered for such achievement.

"But those expectations are on the back of us playing good T20 cricket, which has resulted in us being ranked number four in the world now, and it's for us to continue to manage those expectations. I think the guys have done that, we are at home, so obviously expectations and pressure is always there, but it's just for us to keep on playing good cricket and keep on entertaining the fans,” he ended. 

Much like West Indies Head coach Darren Sammy did recently, all-rounder Roston Chase stressed the need for the Caribbean side to not only up their game, but to also remain grounded as they prepare to face newcomers Uganda in their second ICC Men’s T20 World Cup encounter on Saturday.

Chase, who posted an unbeaten 27-ball 42 which propelled West Indies to a five-wicket win over Papua New Guinea in their Group C opener last week, concurred with Sammy that the win was too close for comfort, as they surpassed their target with a solitary over to spare.

Sammy in that post-game assessment, warned his team against complacency against perceived lesser opponents, especially given the number of upsets in the tournament so far, the latest of which came on Friday when Afghanistan hammered New Zealand by 80 runs.

As such, Afghanistan head Group C standings on four points, two ahead of West Indies and Uganda on two points each, with New Zealand and Papua New Guinea yet to get on the board. Uganda also bettered Papua New Guinea in a low-scoring affair.

With that in mind, Chase is well aware that West Indies will require a more efficient execution under the lights at the Guyana National Stadium, as Uganda has nothing to lose heading into the encounter.

“I just think that it’s a World Cup, so you can’t underestimate any team. Every team is as strong as any other team – but I just think for us, it’s a case where we have to improve our dot-ball percentage, especially in the middle overs,” he told journalists during a pre-match news conference on the eve of the game.

“I mean, the pitch is a difficult one that we played on in the first game, so I think it’s a case where we just need to not panic too quickly – just try to stabilise the middle overs, because we have a lot of power in the back end to kind of make up for it. So it’s just a case where we just need to get a few more singles, and turns ones into twos, and stuff like that, and then just launch in the back end,” he added.

Though not as explosive like some of his teammates where boundary hitting is concerned, Chase, 32, has adjusted well to his role in the team –to be a stabilizing force, if and when called upon.

Prior to the global spectacle, Chase showcased his immense growth as a T20 batsman, with scores of 74 and 33 against Nepal, followed by unbeaten knocks of 67 and 32 in the warm-up sweep of South Africa.

“In my cricketing career, I’ve always been one to get some hard tasks, so I really cherish the opportunity and the experiences. I mean, obviously, it’s good to go out there and get an easy job, but I think that your teammates, coaches and especially the fans, I think they rate you more and they appreciate you more when you come through these hard times,” Chase reasoned.

“So I am just always looking to do good even when the pressure is on. I know that once I come out on top, people love me. Once I’m doing what is required for the team, and doing it well, I am happy with that,” the Barbadian noted.

That said, Chase pointed to his unwavering determination to chart his own legacy in the format, as many have likened his role in the team to that of former Jamaican stalwart and batting all-rounder Marlon Samuels, who was instrumental to West Indies’ T20 World Cup triumphs in 2012 and 2016.

“There could only be one Marlon Samuels and one Roston Chase,” Chase declared.

“I mean, if people want to call it the Marlon Samuels role, I have no problem with that. He’s won two world titles playing that role and being the Man-of-the-Match in two of the finals. So, I have no problem with that tag, but I’m my own player,” he ended.

While relieved that they came out tops in the end, West Indies Head Coach Darren Sammy believes the opening ICC Men’s T20 World Cup win against Papua New Guinea was too close for comfort, and called for significant improvement heading into their next encounter and beyond.

Chasing a modest 137 for victory, West Indies overcame a shaky start to secure a nervy five-wicket victory over Papua New Guinea on Sunday. It took Roston Chase with an unbeaten 42 and Andre Russell with a nine-ball 15 to get West Indies across the line.

The sub-par performance left Sammy peeved, as he rued the fact that they not only got to the target with one over to spare, but also lost five wickets in the process. As such, he insists that the Caribbean side tightens up, as he warned against complacency, which was at the root of past World Cup failures.

The Rovman Powell-led West Indies outfit will next face newcomers Uganda on Saturday at Providence Stadium in Guyana.

“These (games against perceived lesser opponents) are the games that cost us in previous tournaments,” Sammy declared.

“Winning with just an over to spare is a bit too close for comfort, but I won’t let this overshadow the positive strides we’ve made throughout the year,” he added.

Sammy’s concern is very much understandable, as after Uganda, West Indies will have more formidable foes Afghanistan and New Zealand to contend with. Hence, Sammy knows there’s no room for slip-ups.

“Every game is crucial,” he stressed.

“We need to focus on the present, one match at a time, and avoid complacency. We didn’t exhibit our usual aggressive batting style; the brand we’ve established over the past year. We allowed them [Papua New Guinea] to stay in the contest for too long,” Sammy argued.

Should West Indies produce a more dominant performance against Uganda, it would put them in good stead heading to Trinidad and Tobago, where they will lock horns with New Zealand on June 13, and Afghanistan on June 18.

Afghanistan heads Group C on two points, same as West Indies and Uganda, but with a superior net run-rate. Only the top two teams from the group will progress to the Super Eight.

West Indies will be eager to avoid a repeat of the last T20 World Cup, where they were knocked out in the first round.

With the 2012 and 2016 titles already to their credit, West Indies will no doubt be intent on adding this year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup crown to their accolades, but achieving that feat will require efficient all-round execution from the off.

Like the 19 other participating teams in the historic June 1-29 showpiece, the Darren Sammy-coached 15-man squad –to be led by Jamaican Rovman Powell –is lined with its own fair share of talent and explosive batting, enough to prove a formidable force, as they seek to make amends for their disappointing campaign two years ago.

Still, among the blend of experience and youthful exuberance, it is no secret that a few players will be heavily relied on, more than others, to carry the weight of the Caribbean side’s chances to possibly finish tops in a tournament they co-host with United States.

That said, SportsMax.TV zones in on five key players –in no particular order –that cricket enthusiasts worldwide will undoubtedly keep a keen eye on where their performances are concerned, eager to witness the West Indies’ quest for another T20 World Cup title.

Rovman Powell –Middle order batsman and captain

Took over leadership of the T20 team from Nicholas Pooran after the failed 2022 outing in Australia. Since his appointment last year, Powell has emerged as a crucial figure in the West Indies T20 setup, both as a powerful middle-order batsman and a strategic leader. He led the regional side to three bilateral series victories over South Africa, India and England, before a loss to Australia earlier this year.

Besides the fact that Powell’s leadership skills have been instrumental in shaping a cohesive unit, his ability to turn games around with his aggressive batting style makes him a player to watch.

The hard-hitting Jamaican has so far scored more than 1,300 runs at a strike rate of 144.81 in 61 international innings and nearly 4,000 overs in all T20 matches, with 16 fifty-plus scores to his name. Powell’s penchant for big hits and sixes can also be evidenced by his boundary numbers, which feature more maximums than fours across all T20s.

Powell’s overall experience in domestic and international T20 leagues certainly adds a layer of tactical acumen to his game, and his knack for hitting sixes under pressure and guiding the team through challenging situations will be vital to West Indies' campaign.

Nicholas Pooran –Wicketkeeper/batsman

Fresh off impressive performances in the IPL 2024 in India, where he ended with 499 runs at a strike rate of 178.21, including an unbeaten 48 off 26 balls, 61 off 27 balls, and a 29-ball 75, Pooran will definitely be a significant factor to West Indies chances, especially if he maintains that rich vein of form.

Known for his explosive hitting and agile keeping skills, Pooran’s performances in T20 leagues worldwide have cemented his reputation as a formidable player, and it is his ability to accelerate the scoring rate and play innovative shots that makes him a key asset in the middle order. In fact, many would love to see him in the top order batting at number three, but let’s see what Sammy and Powell decides.

That aside, the Trinidadian’s experience and understanding of the T20 format will be crucial in navigating the high-pressure scenarios typical of World Cup matches. He boasts over 300 T20 matches, including 88 internationals, in which he has tallied 1,848 runs at a strike rate of 134.69, with 11 half-centuries to complement those figures. Overall, Pooran has amassed over 7,000 T20 runs with 39 half-centuries and two centuries to show.

Simply put, Pooran’s expansive limited-overs experience is poised to be useful for West Indies. His presence behind the stumps also adds value, as his sharp reflexes and quick decision-making are critical in the shorter format, but whether or not he will wear the glove is left to be seen, as Shai Hope and Johnson Charles can also cover that task, provided all three are fielded in the same starting 11.

Roston Chase –All-rounder

Say what you want about Roston Chase’s batting tempo, he brings balance to the West Indies team with his all-round capabilities. A reliable batsman and a crafty off-spinner, Chase provides depth in both departments. Never mind the fact that he has only played 13 T20Is and scored 210 runs at a strike rate of 125.00, or the fact that he lacks the explosive boundary hitting power of others, it is his calm demeanor and ability to anchor the innings that makes him a stabilizing force in the middle order.

The Barbadian even proved that much in the recent 3-0 sweep of South Africa at Sabina Park, as he ended unbeaten on 32 and 67 in the first two encounters, and also took a wicket in both games. With the ball, Chase’s variations and control can stymie the opposition’s scoring rate, especially in the middle overs.

All in all, Chase’s versatility allows the team to adapt to different match situations, and the fact that he is no doubt intent on silencing his doubters with big performances, makes him an indispensable part of the squad.

Andre Russell –All-rounder

One of the most feared all-rounders in T20 cricket, Russell, a two-time T20 World Cup winner for the West Indies, packs incredible power-hitting and athletic prowess that can change the course of a game single-handedly. The explosive Jamaican has experience in nearly 500 T20 matches with over 8,000 runs to his credit at a strike rate of 169.80. He also has close to 450 wickets at a remarkable bowling average of 25.32.

Russell’s ability to clear the boundary with ease and finish innings on a high note is unparalleled, a quality he again demonstrated when he assisted KKR to the title in the just-concluded IPL. For the 2024 campaign, he tallied 222 runs, at a strike rate of 185.00, and took 19 wickets.

With his fast bowling and sharp fielding adding to his value as a complete T20 package, coupled with his ability to consistently perform under pressure, Russell is certainly one of West Indies’ best bets to excel in the tournament.

Shamar Joseph –Fast Bowler

Burst onto the international scene with his sensational performances against Australia in the Test series earlier this year, and that spurred much talk about his immense potential to prove effective in the game’s shortest version. However, he got a tough introduction to the IPL in April when he leaked 47 runs in Lucknow Super Giant’s contest against KKR.

Still, Joseph’s selection in West Indies final squad prior to making his T20I debut, underscores Sammy’s confidence in his ability, and the Guyanese could very well reward that confidence, once he finds his footing in the format.

Joseph’s debut in the 3-0 series sweep against South Africa recently, yielded three wickets for 67 runs, with a best of 2-26 in the final encounter. While that might not seem like much to write home about, there is no denying that Joseph is a raw talent, and his ability to bowl with pace and precision certainly makes him a potent threat.

Furthermore, there is a sense of anticipation that Joseph, if given the opportunity, might produce something special at the tournament as he has proven that he can rise to the occasion when it matters most and, as such, will be keen to leave his mark on the international stage once more.

West Indies will open their campaign against Papua New Guinea in Guyana on Sunday.

Full squad: Rovman Powell (Captain), Alzarri Joseph (Vice Captain), Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Obed McCoy, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd

A thumping 3-0 T20 International series sweep over South Africa propelled West Indies up the ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings into fourth place, ahead of the much-anticipated T20 World Cup.

Despite missing a few big faces, West Indies managed to sweep the series, and that along with the rise in rankings should provide a significant boost to the confidence of the Darren Sammy-coached side heading into the June 1-29 showpiece to be hosted in the Caribbean and United States.

With the series win, West Indies (254 rating points), the champions of the 2012 and 2016 editions of the T20 World Cup, are at the fourth place in the list led by 2007 champions India (264 rating points), with 2021 champions Australia (257 rating points) and defending champions England (254 rating points) at the second and third place respectively.

There were individual bright spots for West Indies in the series, who gained substantially in the T20I Player Rankings. This included stand-in skipper Brandon King, whose 159 runs helped him jump up five places to the eighth position in the Men’s T20I Batting Rankings.

His opening partner, Johnson Charles, who hit a blistering 69 from 26 balls in a Player of the Match performance in the third game of the series, gained 17 spots to reach the 20th place.

Meanwhile, Kyle Mayers (31st place in Batting Rankings) and Gudakesh Motie (27th place in Bowling Rankings) were the other beneficiaries from the recently concluded series.

These results bode well for the Men in Maroon, who will be looking for a record third title during their home T20 World Cup. They are placed in Group C along Afghanistan, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Uganda.

They start their campaign against Papua New Guinea in Guyana on Sunday.

ICC Men's T20I Team Rankings

India -264 points

Australia - 257 points

England - 254 points

West Indies  - 252 points

New Zealand  - 250 points

West Indies white-ball coach Daren Sammy hailed his team’s performance after they passed their South Africa test with flying colours, culminating in a dominant eight-wicket victory at Sabina Park on Sunday. This win sealed a clean sweep of the three-match T20 International series, setting a positive tone for their final preparations ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup, which begins on June 1.

The West Indies secured their series victory with a comprehensive performance on Sunday, chasing down South Africa's target of 164 with 6.1 overs to spare. This win followed earlier victories on Thursday, May 23, by 28 runs and on Saturday, May 25, by 16 runs. The series was characterized by consistent team efforts, despite the absence of key players such as Rovman Powell, Nicholas Pooran, Shai Hope, Andre Russell, and Alzarri Joseph.

In the series finale, South Africa posted 163-8 from their 20 overs, with captain Rassie van der Dussen top-scoring with 51 off 36 balls. Debutant Wiann Mulder contributed a solid 36. The West Indies’ bowling attack was led by Player of the Series Gudakesh Motie, who took 2-21, supported by Shamar Joseph’s 2-26 and Obed McCoy’s 3-39.

The West Indies’ chase was spearheaded by an explosive opening partnership of 92 runs in just 6.4 overs between Johnson Charles and interim captain Brandon King. Charles, who was named Player of the Match for his blistering 69 off 26 balls, batted at a strike rate of 265, while King added 44 from 28 balls. Kyle Mayers (36 not out) and Alick Athanaze (6 not out) comfortably saw the hosts over the finish line.

Coach Darren Sammy, who led the West Indies to T20 World Cup victories in 2012 and 2016, praised his team’s all-around performance. "With the players that we had, we executed quite well,” he told Sportsmax.TV. “We were put under pressure in the Power Play in the second game but the way the guys responded and won convincingly; we got tested in the three departments – in the field, with the bat, and the ball – and the way the guys responded was just really good, so I would give them a nine (out of 10).”

Charles expressed satisfaction with his performance after struggling in the first two matches. “It was great. We have been working hard during the camp and in the series. Worked hard on our skills leading up to the World Cup, just enforcing the basics. Tried in the first two games, didn’t work out but came today (Sunday). It’s all about building confidence,” he said.

Stand-in captain Brandon King also shared his delight at leading the team to a commanding series win. “(I was) happy with my own performance,” he remarked. “Would’ve liked to carry my bat through to the end though. We understand each other’s games, playing a few years together. (This was) an important 3-0 win.”

In a crucial update ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced that left-arm fast bowler Obed McCoy will replace Jason Holder in the squad. Holder has been ruled out due to an injury sustained during the County Championship 2024, necessitating a recovery period that prevents his participation in the tournament set to commence on June 1.

The absence of Holder, a seasoned and influential player, is significant. However, CWI remains optimistic about the team's prospects with the inclusion of McCoy. Dr. The Most Hon. Desmond Haynes, Lead Selector of CWI, commented on the development, stating, "Jason is an experienced player in our set-up. His absence will undoubtedly be felt both on and off the field. We look forward to having a fully fit Jason with us again soon."

McCoy’s inclusion is a testament to his impressive form over the past year. Known for his left-arm pace and skillful variations, particularly at the back end of the innings, McCoy was the leading wicket-taker on the West Indies team’s recent tour to Nepal. CWI extends its best wishes to Jason Holder for a speedy recovery and eagerly anticipates his return to the field.

Haynes expressed confidence in McCoy’s abilities, stating, "While it is unfortunate to lose a player of Jason's calibre, we are confident in the abilities of Obed McCoy. Obed has shown remarkable skill and promise in his performances, and this opportunity will allow him to further showcase his talent on the international stage. We believe he will bring a fresh and dynamic energy to the squad."

With this development the updated West Indies squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is as follows:

Rovman Powell (Captain), Alzarri Joseph (Vice Captain), Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Obed McCoy, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd.

Additionally, five reserve players have been named, ready to step in if needed: Kyle Mayers, Matthew Forde, Fabian Allen, Hayden Walsh, Andre Fletcher.

Meanwhile, Head Coach Daren Sammy highlighted the depth and quality of the reserve players.

"We are fortunate to have such depth and quality in our ranks. Our reserve players are all A-class talents who have proven their abilities in various formats of the game, but certainly T20. Each one of them is fully capable of slotting into the team seamlessly should the situation arise."

West Indies is placed in Group C of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and will play their first match on June 2 in Guyana against Papua New Guinea. The team remains focused and ready to compete at the highest level, aiming for a strong performance in the tournament.