As the ICC Men’s World Cup qualifiers are just a few days away from starting, the West Indies have included in-form opener Johnson Charles in their squad as a replacement for an injured spinner. Charles has shown splendid form in the past few months, which earned him a place in the West Indies squad for the World Cup qualifiers. The veteran opener was also a part of the playing XI squad during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2016, which was won by them, but he frequently found himself out thereafter until being recalled for the 2022 edition of the event.
Charles in great form this year
Charles has shown great form this year, in March, during a T20 international against South Africa, he hit a blistering 118 runs off 46 balls for the West Indies, which included 11 sixes and 10 fours. The 34-year-old got another opportunity and was added to the squad for three ODIs against the UAE following the suspension of Devon Thomas. He smashed 63 runs off 47 balls and led West Indies to victory in the second ODI.
Selector praised Charles
The right-handed batsman will now replace Gudakesh Motie in the 15-member squad as the left-arm spinner is still recovering from a lower back injury. The West Indies selectors contemplated replacing Gudakesh with another spinner before recalling Charles. He has played 50 ODIs for the team since his debut in 2012 and has scored 1370 runs, which includes two hundreds as well.
Selector Desmond Haynes said, “Charles is a very experienced batsman on international level, so he will add value to the team for the vital tournament. He has played few ODI matches in Zimbabwe, so he has good knowledge of the conditions. We see him as the right person for the team at this level.
Qualifiers begin on June 18
The ICC World Cup qualifiers will be played in Zimbabwe starting on June 18. The first match will be played between West Indies and the United States. On June 22, the West Indies will take on Nepal, followed by Zimbabwe and the Netherlands on June 24 and 26, respectively. Only the top two teams from these qualifiers will earn a spot in the ICC World Cup, which is to be held in India later this year.
The final 15 members of the West Indies squad are : Shai Hope (Captain), Rovman Powell , Yannic Cariah, Keacy Carty, Johnson Charles, Nicholas Pooran, Romario Shepherd, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Keemo Paul.
Also read:- SOUTH AFRICA A CLINCH SERIES VICTORY WITH DOMINANT PERFORMANCE AGAINST SRI LANKA A