The former cricketer Chris Gayle emphasized the inclusion of fast bowler sensation Shamar Joseph to the West Indies squad for the upcoming Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in June.
Chris Gayle wants Shamar Joseph in Windies Squad
The cricket legend Chris Gayle advocates Shamar Joseph’s inclusion for the West Indies for the upcoming home T20 World Cup in June.
Joseph made an impressive debut during the services in Australia earlier this year, where he showcased his talent by taking a five-wicket haul in his maiden test during the West Indies tour of Australia 2024.
Joseph had a stellar performance in Brisbane, claiming a figure of 7/68 helping the side secure the first victory for the side against Australia in 27 years.
Despite his lack of experience in the format, Gayle feels that Joseph can be an asset for the West Indies team when they play the 2024 T20 World Cup on home soil.
“He’s strong, he should be in the squad. We already have Alzarri Joseph, so to have the two Josephs there (will be great). Both might not play at the same time, but we would need him in this squad just in case anybody picks up an injury. It’s a good headache to have for the selectors,” Gayle said in an interview with Reuters.”
West Indies has positive results in Short format with notable wins over India and England on home soil. Despite losing the T20I series against Australia on home away tour, they put up a good fight ending the series 2-1.
“Andre Russell is back in the squad, and there’s some more experience in the squad in Jason Holder and Nicholas Pooran. Those guys will have a big part to play for West Indies to lift the trophy,” Gayle added.
West Indies have won the T20 World Cup twice but failed to qualify for the Super 12s stage in T20 World Cup 2022.
“You watch Test cricket these days, it’s played a bit faster than a couple of years back. Teams scoring 300 within a day with ease, that’s because of T20 cricket.”
“It’s the same in 50-over cricket. Teams can score and chase down 400 as well. Everything has changed in the game, thanks to T20 cricket,” Gayle said.
The ninth edition of the T20 World Cup 2024 Around 20 teams are taking part in the T20 World Cup with 55 games to be played across the tournament.
Teams have been divided into four groups of five each. Teams like Namibia, Scotland, Oman, Uganda, Papua New Guinea, Netherlands, and Nepal the non-test-playing nations, will also feature in the ICC event.
The top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super 8s tournament. England are the defending champions in the Men’s T20 World Cup after defeating Pakistan by five wickets in the finals of the previous edition.
West Indies will be playing in the second match of the T20 World Cup 2024 schedule against Papua New Guinea on June 2 at Providence Stadium.
