HIGHLIGHTS
- Matthew Forde returns after recovering from a shoulder injury sustained in August.
- Shamar Springer has been included to bolster the seam bowling options following a slew of injuries to this unit.
- Gudakesh Motie has been excluded from the series following a dip in form and will undertake targeted, technical training in collaboration with the Royals Sports Group ahead of his participation in the SA20 and in preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
- Krisnan Hurdle, a Clinical Psychologist, joins as Mental Skills and Performance Coach, beginning with the New Zealand tour.
ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies has announced the squad for the five (5) T20 Internationals against New Zealand scheduled for November 5-13.
The Men in Maroon sojourn to New Zealand on November 1 following the T20 series triumph over Bangladesh and will continue to fine tune preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup in 2026, with the nucleus of the squad being retained from the previous series.
Matthew Forde, who suffered a shoulder injury in the summer has been recalled after successfully completing the rehabilitation and return-to-play protocols process.
He will be joined by Shamar Springer, who has been included to bolster a seam bowling unit which has suffered several recent injuries, including Ramon Simmons and Jediah Blades, who have both been ruled out for this series.
Left-arm spinner, Gudakesh Motie, will also miss the series following a recent dip in form attributed primarily to a technical issue with his action. With conditions in New Zealand not expected to be as conducive to spin bowling, the opportunity will be taken for him to work with specialists, through collaboration with the Royals Sports Group – owners of the Paarl Royals franchise South Africa, prior to his participation in December’s SA20 to address the issue and rebuild confidence ahead of the T20 World Cup, where he is expected to play a key role.
A significant addition has also been made to the management team, with Clinical Psychologist Krisnan Hurdle coming on board as Mental Skills and Performance Coach starting with the New Zealand tour. Plans for this appointment were first announced during CWI’s Quarterly Media briefing held on October 1, after being identified as one of the immediate action items coming out of the emergency Cricket Strategy and Officiating Committee meeting held in August.
Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe explained that the appointment of Hurdle is a strategic move to align with global practices while enhancing output for our senior team in the international arena.
“The addition of a Mental Skills and Performance Coach reflects our commitment to developing the complete cricketer. At the elite level, success is as much about mindset and composure as it is about technical ability. Strengthening this area ensures that our players are provided with the necessary non-technical support geared towards equipping them to manage pressure and maintain focus.”
West Indies T20 Squad vs New Zealand
Shai Hope (Captain)
Alick Athanaze
Ackeem Auguste
Roston Chase
Matthew Forde
Jason Holder
Akeal Hosein
Amir Jangoo
Brandon King
Khary Pierre
Rovman Powell
Sherfane Rutherford
Jayden Seales
Romario Shepherd
Shamar Springer
Team Management Unit (TMU)
Head Coach: Daren Sammy
Manager: Rawl Lewis
Assistant Coach (Batting): Floyd Reifer
Assistant Coach (Bowling): Ravi Rampaul
Assistant Coach (Fielding): Rayon Griffith
Physiotherapist: Dr Denis Byam
Mental Skills/Performance Coach: Krisnan Hurdle
Strength & Conditioning Coach: Darc Browne
Massage Therapist: Fitzbert Alleyne
Performance Analyst: Avenesh Seetaram
Content & Media Officer: Jerome Foster
T20 Match Schedule
1st T20I: November 5 – Eden Park, Auckland @2:15am AST/1:15am in Jamaica
2nd T20I: November 6 – Eden Park, Auckland @2:15am AST/1:15am in Jamaica
3rd T20I: November 8 – Saxton Oval, Nelson @8:15pm AST/7:15pm in Jamaica
4th T20I: November 9 – Saxton Oval, Nelson @8:15pm AST/7pm in Jamaica
5th T20I: November 12 – University Oval, Dunedin @8:15pm AST/7:15pm in Jamaica
