West Indies v Sri Lanka: All you need to know

The Cricketer runs through all the information you need ahead of West Indies' three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka

The Cricketer | 01/03/2021 at 12:19

What is it?

West Indies’ three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka.

When is it?

Wednesday, March 3: 1st T20I (6pm ECT/5pm JT)

Friday, March 5: 2nd T20I (6pm ECT/ 5pm JT)

Sunday, March 7: 3rd T20I (6pm ECT/5pm JT)

Where is it?

The T20I leg of Sri Lanka’s multiformat tour will be played at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua – the first T20I series to take place at the venue.

Who’s involved?

The most notable news for West Indies is the inclusion of 41-year-old Chris Gayle, who has cut short a Pakistan Super League stint to resume his international career.

His selection, however, offsets the absence of four squad regulars in Roston Chase, Sheldon Cottrell, Shimron Hetmyer and Oshane Thomas – all of whom failed to reach minimum fitness standards set out by Cricket West Indies.

“The policy asks for a minimum standard in certain aspects of fitness testing,” said director of cricket Jimmy Adams. “It's pretty simple, and it's something all the players are aware of.”

Sunil Narine is also absent, having declared himself not yet ready to return to international cricket. But 39-year-old Fidel Edwards, now available for West Indies again after the termination of his Kolpak status with Hampshire, is included.

Andre Russell is recovering from Covid-19, and therefore was not considered for the squad.

West Indies v Sri Lanka: Fixture list

West Indies v Sri Lanka: Full squad list

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, have endured a chaotic build-up to the series; Dasun Shanaka was appointed as the country’s new T20I captain before a delay in obtaining a US transit visa, which has since seen Angelo Mathews named as interim skipper.

Off the field, Chaminda Vaas was set to act as bowling coach for the tour, before a pay dispute - with its aftermath aired in public – led to his resignation.

West Indies: Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran, Fabien Allen, Dwayne Bravo, Fidel Edwards, Andre Fletcher, Chris Gayle, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Evin Lewis, Obed McCoy, Rovman Powell, Lendl Simmons, Kevin Sinclair

Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Danushka Gunathilake, Pathum Nissanka, Ashen Bandara, Oshada Fernando, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Niroshan Dickwella, Thisara Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Ramesh Mendis, Nuwan Pradeep, Asitha Fernando, Dushmantha Chameera, Akila Dananajaya, Lakshan Sandakan, Dilshan Madushanka, Suranga Lakmal