Gabriel and Chase Set to Join West Indies Squad for ODI Series Against South Africa

The return of Shannon Gabriel is an exciting development for the West Indies team, who can now look to him to take early wickets in their imminent three-match series in South Africa. This will be Gabriel’s first ODI since the 2019 World Cup and the West Indies hope that his performance in the Regional Super50 Cup has demonstrated what he is capable of providing them. His encouraging form in the Test match against Zimbabwe last week put him in contention with Phillipp and Seales for a spot in the squad. Ultimately, Gabriel’s experience won out and he will now be looking to make an instant impact as his team embarks on their tour of South Africa.

Further bolstering the team is the return of Roston Chase, who last featured in an ODI against Ireland in January 2021. With Shai Hope selected as permanent ODI captain just last week and his backup Rovman Powell selected as the T20I captain, West Indies’ confidence is evident. Teaming up with the majority of experienced players who were eliminated from the 2020 T20 World Cup before reaching the Super 12 stage, this series, played from 16 March to 21 March 2021 but not counting as World League Super Cup matches, marks a new walk for West Indies cricket – one which could end on a high note with all cogs in motion by their side.

After the disappointing performance by West Indies in the 2021 T20 World Cup, Cricket West Indies (CWI) ordered an investigation into their weak showing. Fortunately, these investigations have been carried out with an eye towards improvement; what could have been a witch hunt has instead been used as a catalyst for constructive change. CWI appointed a three-person panel led by Brian Lara, Mickey Arthur and high-court judge Patrick Thompson Jr to investigate and make suggestions for the betterment of their T20 World Cup run. So far, the only significant change made from the initial lineup was sacrificing Evin Lewis for Romario Shepherd, a seam-bowling all-rounder who is expected to provide much needed support in both batting and bowling. With this significant but necessary step as well as further changes expected in the upcoming months and years, there is no doubt that West Indies’ leadership will take advantage of this “great opportunity to hit the reset button” before they next play at home soil in 2024.

After a much-anticipated national team selection process, Kyle Mayers has been chosen as Darren Powell’s vice captain for the upcoming series against South Africa. The side is also set to include Obed McCoy, however his participation in the T20Is is reliant upon medical clearance being granted. Dewald Brevis has been selected for the South African Invitational XI squad for an unofficial warm-up match starting at Benoni on Tuesday and although he has not featured in any first-class matches yet, Brevis has earned a reputation as an up and coming all-rounder. As West Indies prepares to take on South Africa, expectations are high and Mayers’ appointment, as well as Brevis’ inclusion in the squad, may be just the spark they need to make this series one that will be talked about for years to come.