Afghanistan v West Indies ODI series: TV channel, schedule, team news - All you need to know

The Cricketer provides all the information ahead of the start of the 50-over series between the two nations....

What is it?

Afghanistan and West Indies face-off in three one-day internationals which will kick-start the multi-format tour between the two nations. All matches will be staged in Lucknow, the Afghans' temporary base in India.

Following the series both sides will play three T20s and a one-off Test, all set to be staged at the same venue.

What's the schedule?

FIRST ODI: Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee International Cricket Stadium, Lucknow (Wednesday, November 6) (day/night)

SECOND ODI: Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee International Cricket Stadium, Lucknow (Wednesday, November 9) (day/night)

THIRD ODI: Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee International Cricket Stadium, Lucknow (Wednesday, November 11) (day/night)

What are West Indies' chances?

Since being dismantled by India across all formats having endured a horrible 50-over World Cup, it has been all change for the West Indies.

Phil Simmons is back as head coach, Kieron Pollard is recalled and installed as captain and there are some new faces following the Caribbean Premier League.

Brandon King and Hayden Walsh Jr., who finished with the most runs and wickets respectively, have been rewarded for excelling in the competition. Khary Pierre is also back in the frame.

^{Brandon King is called up after enjoying a stellar CPL}

The bad news is the Windies face conditions which will provide a stern test to some of their new breed. They have only won two of their last 15 ODIs in India and the slow pitches will not be their friend. Granted, they won the T20 World Cup in the sub-continent three years ago, but there is little recent evidence they can replicate those displays.

The common theme of their issues against India were a lack of discipline at key times. They couldn't get past 240 in either of the completed matches, while no batsman made more than the 72 accumilated by Chris Gayle in the first ODI. And they won't have him to dig them out of a hole this time.

The confusion around Gayle's international future is no doubt holding back this Windies outfit. But the arrival of a handful of new faces - not least King who was outstanding in the CPL for Guyana Amazon Warriors - does indicate they are at least willing to move on. Now the results need to follow.

Who's in and who's out?

There is finally some vitality and freshness about the Windies team after the inclusion of King and Walsh Jr. following the CPL. Pierre returns too, while Pollard's surprising recall provides another layer of class. Romario Shepherd is another new face.

Along with Gayle, Sunil Narine is also omitted due to injury while Lendl Simmons' recall is only for the T20s. Oshane Thomas, Andre Russell and Carlos Braithwaite all missed out on both white-ball squads.

^{Chris Gayle remains an inigma - but what is his international future?}

West Indies squad: Kieron Pollard (c), Shai Hope (wk), Evin Lewis, Shimron Hetmyer, Sunil Ambris, Nicholas Pooran, Brandon King, Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Hayden Walsh Jr., Khary Pierre, Sheldon Cottrell, Keemo Paul, Alzarri Joseph, Romario Shepherd

What about Afghanistan?

Afghanistan have responded to an uneven tri-series campaign against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe by ringing the changes for the upcoming series

Banned pair Mohammad Shahzad and Aftab Alam are joined on the sidelines by Dawlat Zadran, Hamid Hassan, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Noor Ali Zadran and Samiullah Shinwari.

Javed Ahmadi, Afsar Zazai, Karim Janat, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Ibrahim Zadran, Yamin Ahmadzai and Naveen-ul-Haq have been named as their replacements in a raft of alterations which chief selector Andy Moles explained "are a part of our efforts to promote good sides for the future".

Afghanistan squad: Rashid Khan (c), Asghar Afghan, Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmat Shah, Javed Ahmadi, Afsar Zazai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Karim Janat, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Ibrahim Zadran, Yamin Ahmadzai, Naveen-ul-Haq, Ikram Alikhil, Mujeeb ur Rahman.

^{Javaed Ahmadi is among six replacements named by the Afghans}

What will the weather be like?

Lucknow is set to be engaulfed by sunny spells and clear skies throughout the ODI series, which is likely to lead to three full days of play.

How can I follow it?

Hotstar is broadcasting the series in the UK, while it can also be streamed via the Bet365 website. An account is required to access the coverage.

Star Sports are showing all matches between Afghanistan and West Indies during the tour. For viewers in India, Hotstar will provide coverage of the series.

What are the odds?

For the opening ODI, Dafabet have the West Indies at 6/10 favourites while Afghanistan are 6/5 to go 1-0 up in the series.