Chris Gayle returns to West Indies T20I squad for residence collection in opposition to Sri Lanka

Veteran batsman Chris Gayle has returned to the West Indies squad for the primary time in practically two years for the three-match T20 International collection in opposition to Sri Lanka, starting on March 3.
The 41-year-old top-order batsman was recalled to the 14-man squad below Kieron Pollard on the idea of his good performances in current tournaments, together with the IPL and the Pakistan Super League.
Senior quick bowler Fidel Edwards, 39, can also be again within the nationwide squad after a nine-year hiatus.
The three matches of the T20I collection can be performed on March 3, 5, and seven on the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua, which can be making its worldwide debut.
The big-hitting Gayle final performed for West Indies of their residence collection in opposition to India in August 2019 after the 50-over World Cup that yr.
He had earlier stated that the 2019 World Cup matches can be his final appearances for West Indies.
“Chris Gayle has performed very well in recent tournaments and the selection panel thinks that he can still add great value to our team,” Roger Harper, Cricket West Indies’ (CWI) lead selector, stated in a media launch.
“As we build towards the defence of the T20 World Cup, the opportunity is being taken to determine our best team and squad as we go forward.”

Cricket West Indies (CWI) names the West Indies squads for the CG Insurance T20 International Series and CG Insurance One-Day International Series in opposition to Sri Lanka. #WIvSL
Full Squads particulars⬇️ https://t.co/8F1UY2fsuI pic.twitter.com/AwxKTQBuKF
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) February 26, 2021
Gayle is the very best run scorer in T20 historical past. He has performed in 103 Tests, 301 ODIs and 58 T20Is since making his worldwide debut in 1999.
As for Edwards, Harper acknowledged that his recall was to “give the bowling the potent firepower needed”.
Edwards, who performed 55 Tests for West Indies, moved to Hampshire in 2015 on a Kolpak deal. However, following the UK’s current departure from the European Union, Edwards expressed his want to make a world comeback.
Off-spinner Kevin Sinclair earned his maiden West Indies choice and left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein received his first T20I call-up.
The choice panel additionally named the squad for the ODI collection in opposition to the visting Sri Lankans to be performed between March 10-14 on the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua.
T20I Squad: Kieron Pollard (c), Nicholas Pooran, Fabian Allen Dwayne Bravo, Fidel Edwards, Andre Fletcher, Chris Gayle, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Evin Lewis, Obed McCoy, Rovman Powell, Lendl Simmons, Kevin Sinclair.
ODI Squad: Kieron Pollard (c), Shai Hope, Fabian Allen, Darren Bravo, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Kyle Mayers, Jason Mohammed, Nicholas Pooran, Romario Shepherd, Kevin Sinclair.