Jewel Andrew and Jediah Blades Earn Maiden Call-Ups Ahead of Five-Match Showdown
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has unveiled a 16-member squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against Australia, set to begin on July 20 at Sabina Park, Jamaica. The announcement follows the conclusion of the Test series, which Australia swept 3-0.
🆕 Fresh Faces Join the Fold
Two exciting young talents — 18-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Jewel Andrew and left-arm pacer Jediah Blades — have received their first T20I call-ups.
- Jewel Andrew has impressed selectors with his composed batting and ability to handle spin, emerging as one of the Caribbean’s most promising prospects.
- Jediah Blades, who debuted in ODIs last December, has earned his spot through consistent new-ball performances, particularly during powerplay overs.
🧢 Leadership and Experience
Shai Hope will continue to captain the side, supported by seasoned campaigners like Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, and Rovman Powell. Veteran all-rounder Andre Russell will be available for the first two matches, with reports suggesting he may soon retire from international cricket.
🎯 Building Toward the 2026 T20 World Cup
Head coach Darren Sammy emphasized the strategic importance of this series in preparing for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, to be held in India and Sri Lanka.
“Our goals and strategic plans are aligned to winning the T20 World Cup in 2026,” Sammy said. “We want to regain our form at home and build momentum with our exciting and dynamic group of players.”
🏏 Full Squad for Australia T20Is
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Shai Hope (captain) | Wicketkeeper-batter |
| Jewel Andrew | Wicketkeeper-batter |
| Jediah Blades | Left-arm pacer |
| Roston Chase | All-rounder |
| Matthew Forde | Fast bowler |
| Shimron Hetmyer | Batter |
| Jason Holder | All-rounder |
| Akeal Hosein | Spinner |
| Alzarri Joseph | Fast bowler |
| Brandon King | Batter |
| Evin Lewis | Batter |
| Gudakesh Motie | Spinner |
| Rovman Powell | Batter |
| Andre Russell* | All-rounder |
| Sherfane Rutherford | Batter |
| Romario Shepherd | All-rounder |
📅 T20I Series Schedule
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | July 20 | Sabina Park, Jamaica |
| 2nd T20I | July 22 | Sabina Park, Jamaica |
| 3rd T20I | July 25 | Warner Park, St. Kitts |
| 4th T20I | July 26 | Warner Park, St. Kitts |
| 5th T20I | July 28 | Warner Park, St. Kitts |