ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – TEENAGER Jewel Andrew and left-arm pacer, Jediah Blades, have both been named in a West Indies 16-member squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against Australia, which bowls off on Sunday.

The 18-year-old Andrew, who has featured in three ODIs, along with the 23-year-old Blades, who has played in a solitary ODI, are the only two newcomers to the squad that recently toured England and Scotland for two three-match T20I series.

Andrews, a right-handed batsman, is seen as one of the region’s brightest prospects, while Blades who made his international debut against Bangladesh in 2024, was one of the shining lights during the inaugural West Indies Breakout League.

The series will bowl off on Sunday in Sabina Park, Jamaica, which will also host the second match two days later.
Speaking on the composition of the squad, head coach, Daren Sammy, said the focus remains on improving West Indies’ ranking and building towards the T20I World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next year.

“Our goals and strategic plans are aligned to winning the T20 World Cup in 2026. We have continuity in the squad from the previous series and as a unit we will continue to fine tune our style and brand ahead of the World Cup.

“Our previous two T20 series at home we were on the wrong end of the results, but starting against Australia, we want to regain our form at home as we build momentum into next year’s World Cup with our exciting and dynamic group of players,” Sammy said.

SQUAD
WEST INDIES: Shai Hope (captain), Jewel Andrew, Jediah Blades, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd.