Veteran West Indies opening batsman, Chris Gayle and fast bowler, Fidel Edwards have been recalled for the three-match Twenty20 International series against Sri Lanka starting this week in Antigua.
Barbadian Edwards, 39, returned to the team after nearly 10 years of internationals cricket, while Gayle has returned to the international set up after nearly two years out of the side.
Uncapped Guyanese off-spinner, Kevin Sinclair has been named in the 14-man squad for both the Twenty20 and One-Day Internationals, which will be led by Kieron Pollard but there was no room for all-rounder, Andre Russell who only recently recovered after contracting COVID-19.
Left-hander Shimron Hetmyer, who has starred for Guyana Jaguars in the Super50 Cup in Antigua, was not considered for selection for the squad after failing a fitness test.
All-rounder Roston Chase along with fast bowlers Sheldon Cottrell and Oshane Thomas were also overlooked after failing fitness test, one of the major selection criteria.
The selection of Edwards was the surprise name in the Twenty20 squad, especially since he only recently announced his intention to represent West Indies again.
Edwards, who played 50 Tests and 50 One-Day Internationals, departed Hampshire last year and subsequently turned out for Jamaica Tallawahs, grabbing nine wickets at an average of 25 and an economy rate of 7.5 runs per over.
Gayle, who returned from playing in the Pakistan Super League, has not featured for West Indies since India’s tour of the Caribbean in 2019 when he made 87 runs from three innings in the three-match ODI series.
Chief selector Roger Harper said Gayle still brought “great power” to the T20 squad, while Edwards added “potent power” attack.
Left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein, who made his One-Day International debut against Bangladesh has been named in both squads along with Test captain, Jason Holder.
