CARLOS Brathwaite has been returned as captain for the Windies for the Hurricane Relief T20 Challenge against the ICC Rest of the World XI at Lord’s Cricket Ground, London, on Thursday, May 31.

This charity match is being staged with the support of the MCC, ECB and ICC to raise funds to rebuild and restore five major cricket venues at the heart of Caribbean communities that were damaged by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

The Ronald Webster Park in Anguilla, Windsor Park Stadium in Dominica, the A.O. Shirley Recreation Ground in the British Virgin Islands and the Carib Lumber Ball Park in St Maarten were all damaged during the passage of Hurricane Irma in September 2017.
Brathwaite had declined the invitation to captain the Windies team to the recent three-match T20 tour of Pakistan earlier this month.

Match-winning, all-rounder Andre Russell had also been included in the Windies T20 squad following his return to cricket during the Super50 Cup and the IPL. Explosive openers Evin Lewis and ‘Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle are also in following the Pakistan Series along with spinner Ashley Nurse.

“We welcome the return of the players who missed the Pakistan Series and are delighted to recall Andre Russell to the squad, as we believe he will have a key role in our white ball cricket,” said Chairman of Selectors Courtney Browne.

“Denesh Ramdin and Keemo Paul keep their places after encouraging performances at both regional and international level.”

Meanwhile, fast bowler Odean Smith, who made his debut in the recent series, has kept his place despite a couple of ordinary performances but Jason Mohammed, who led the squad in Karachi in Brathwaite’s absence, has been dropped along with Andre McCarthy, Chadwick Walton and Veerasammy Permaul.

CWI’s CEO, Johnny Grave, expressed his gratitude to the players who have made themselves available for the match.
“On behalf of CWI, I’d like to thank the players for their commitment to and support of this vital cause,” he said.

“We’re hoping to raise a significant sum from the Hurricane Relief T20 Challenge and are very grateful to the MCC, ECB and ICC, without whom this match would not be taking place.”

The full squad is: Samuel Badree, Carlos Brathwaite (captain), Rayad Emrit, Andre Fletcher, Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Ashley Nurse, Keemo Paul, Rovman Powell, Denesh Ramdin (wicketkeeper), Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels, and Kesrick Williams.