West Indies T20I squad for Sri Lanka: Auguste, Andrew, Springer in; Alzarri rested
Synopsis
West Indies have shaken up their T20I lineup for the Sri Lanka series, handing recalls to young guns Ackeem Auguste and Jewel Andrew while resting Alzarri Joseph. With the 2028 World Cup in their sights and a home crowd to impress at Sabina Park, this three-match series is as much an audition as it is a contest.
Key Takeaways
Ackeem Auguste , Jewel Andrew , and Shamar Springer have been recalled to the West Indies T20I squad for the series against Sri Lanka .
Alzarri Joseph has been rested under workload management and will prepare for the two-match Test series in Antigua .
Shamar Joseph is expected to return after leaving the ODI series early for personal reasons.
The three-match T20I series begins on 11 June at Sabina Park, Jamaica , with matches also on 13 and 14 June .
Sri Lanka won the preceding ODI series 1-0 , with two matches washed out.
The series is part of West Indies' long-term preparation for the 2028 ICC Men's T20 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
West Indies selectors have named a refreshed T20I squad for the three-match series against Sri Lanka in Jamaica, beginning 11 June, recalling young batters Ackeem Auguste and Jewel Andrew along with all-rounder Shamar Springer. Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has been left out as part of workload management, with the Cricket West Indies (CWI) confirming he will continue training ahead of the two-match Test series in Antigua.
Key Squad Changes
The three new faces replace members of the squad that featured at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup held in India and Sri Lanka, where the Men in Maroon fell just short of the semi-finals. Auguste and Andrew have been described by CWI as 'exciting young batting talents,' while Springer adds all-round depth to the side.
Alzarri Joseph's absence is precautionary. According to a CWI statement, he 'was not considered for selection as part of workload management plans' and will focus on preparation for the upcoming Test series in Antigua.
Shamar Joseph's Return
Meanwhile, fast bowler Shamar Joseph, who returned home before the third ODI against Sri Lanka for personal reasons, is expected to be available and rejoin the squad ahead of the series on 9 June. His return adds firepower to a bowling attack that will be without Alzarri.
What Head Coach Daren Sammy Said
Head Coach Daren Sammy underlined the importance of this series as the team's first T20 assignment since the World Cup. 'This series is an important one for us as it's our first since the World Cup in India, where the team played with passion, fight and the togetherness that West Indies cricket is built on. Our focus now is to build on those foundations, continue growing as a team and make our fans proud with the way we compete against Sri Lanka,' Sammy said.
Series Context and Road to 2028
This series also marks a significant step in West Indies' long-term planning for the 2028 ICC Men's T20 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. The home fans at Sabina Park, Jamaica will get their first look at the side's post-World Cup evolution across three matches on 11, 13, and 14 June. Notably, Sri Lanka won the preceding ODI series 1-0, with the final two matches washed out by rain.
All three T20Is will be played at Sabina Park, after which the focus shifts to the two-match Test series in Antigua. The series offers fringe players a genuine audition under international conditions.
Full West Indies squad: Shai Hope (c), Jewel Andrew, Ackeem Auguste, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Shamar Springer.
Point of View
However, is a gamble: workload management is sound in principle, but the absence of their most potent fast bowler against a Sri Lanka side that has just won the ODI series raises questions about competitive intent. The real test of this squad selection will be whether these young batters are given enough game time across all three matches to build genuine international experience, or whether they are rotated out at the first sign of pressure.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has been recalled to the West Indies T20I squad for the Sri Lanka series?
Young batters Ackeem Auguste and Jewel Andrew, along with all-rounder Shamar Springer, have been recalled to the West Indies T20I squad for the three-match series against Sri Lanka starting 11 June in Jamaica. They replace members of the squad that played at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.
Why has Alzarri Joseph been left out of the West Indies T20I squad?
Alzarri Joseph has been rested as part of workload management, according to a CWI statement. He will continue training and preparation ahead of the two-match Test series in Antigua.
When and where is the West Indies vs Sri Lanka T20I series?
The three-match T20I series is scheduled for 11, 13, and 14 June at Sabina Park, Jamaica. It is West Indies' first T20 assignment since the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.
What is the significance of this series for West Indies?
The series forms part of West Indies' long-term preparations for the 2028 ICC Men's T20 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Head Coach Daren Sammy has described it as a key opportunity to build on the team's World Cup momentum and entertain home supporters.
What was the result of the West Indies vs Sri Lanka ODI series?
Sri Lanka won the preceding ODI series 1-0, with the final two matches washed out by rain. The T20I series now gives West Indies an immediate chance to respond at home.
