Top order, left-handed batsman Devon ‘Shot Gun’ Smith has made a return to the West Indies squad for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka. Smith is a surprise choice by the selectors after failing to deliver on a number of occasions that he has been called to the senior squad. The 36-year-old Grenadian has played 38 tests for the Windies since making his debut against Australia in April 2003.
In those tests, he has managed only 1593 runs at an average of 24.50. He has one century and six half-centuries to show, but according to Chairman of Selectors, Courtney Browne, they could not ignore his outstanding CPL season during which he scored more than a thousand runs.
Wicketkeeper, Jamar Hamilton has also earned selection in the elite squad for the first time becoming the second Anguillan, behind Omari Banks to do so. There's no Jamaican in the squad as Jermaine Black0wood who made the trip to New Zealand has lost his place.
Vincentian Sunil Aambris who struggled in his debut series against New Zealand along with Barbadian all-rounder Raymon Reifer have also not been included. Antiguan Alzarri Joseph who is recovering from a back injury is also missing from the squad.
The full Jason Holder-captained squad is: Devendra Bishoo, Kraigg Brathwaite, Roston Chase, Miguel Cummins, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Jamar Hamilton, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Kieran Powell, Kemar Roach and Smith. According to Chairman of Selectors, Courtney Browne, the core of the test team has been retained as they remain competitive even after a tough series in New Zealand.
Commenting on Hamilton's selection, Browne noted that the wicketkeeper comes into the squad after consecutive strong performances over the last three years. The 13-man squad will start their busy summer schedule against Sri Lanka in the first test which bowls off on June 6 at the Queen's Park Oval in Trinidad and Tobago.
The complete summer schedule includes 5 tests, 3 One Day Internationals and 3 T20 International. The Sri Lanka series will also include the historic day/night test, scheduled for the Kensington Oval, Barbados from June 23 to 27.
The period will also mark the 90th anniversary since the West Indies became a test-playing nation.