World Cup 2019: Windies squad declared; Russell IN, Pollard OUT

Windies have declared their preliminary squad for the ICC World Cup 2019 and as expected the team has plenty of crucial decisions. To begin with high profile player Kieron Pollard has been neglected while Chris Gayle is in the team and Marlon Samuels is missing.

Andre Russell gets rewarded, Pollard still not good enough

Andre Russell is in sensational form in the ongoing Indian Premier League and has scored at a stunning strike rate of more than 200 and averages 60+.

This jaw-dropping performance has earned him a place in Windies’ preliminary squad for the World Cup and given the flat wickets in England, he can emerge as the X factor for Windies.

WEST INDIES SQUAD FOR ICC CRICKET WORLD CUP 2019 ENGLAND & WALES #WIAllin #MenInMaroon#ItsOurGame #CWC19

⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️https://t.co/iK3gtAvJqX pic.twitter.com/fHzj9UHdVm

— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) April 24, 2019

Meanwhile Sunil Narine is missing from the squad as he feels that his injured finger has not recovered yet to play ODI cricket. Importantly, Pollard has been neglected despite his promising form in IPL 2019.

The 15 member squad not finalized yet: Haynes

Robert Haynes, the head of selection panel stated that there were a number of tough calls they had to make to settle on their squad of 15, including ensuring there was some continuity in the side, but they believe that they have chosen a strong squad of players taking into consideration such factors as experience, fitness, team balance, current form and conditions.

He explained that keeping with tournament regulations, they have submitted their squad prior to the deadline date of yesterday.

He made it clear that all players named for the tri-nations series could, however, stake a claim to be in the final 15-member squad that will be submitted after the tri-series and before the final deadline next month.

#CWC19 “With players like the captain, Jason Holder, as well as Andre Russell in the lower middle-order, we believe we have good depth to our batting will give us the best of chance of winning the World Cup.” – Robert Haynes Interim Chairman of Selectors CWI pic.twitter.com/Rc0ysDVT9g

— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) April 24, 2019

Windies ICC World Cup 2019 squad: 

Jason Holder (capt), Fabian Allen, Darren Bravo, Carlos Brathwaite, Sheldon Cottrell, Shannon Gabriel, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope (wk), Evin Lewis, Ashley Nurse, Nicholas Pooran, Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Oshane Thomas