The West Indies cricket team, affectionately known as the Men in Maroon, will embark on a tour to New Zealand starting November 1, following their recent success in the T20 series against Bangladesh. This tour will serve as an essential part of their preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup scheduled for 2026. The squad for the upcoming series, which consists of five T20 Internationals from November 5 to 13, has been officially announced by Cricket West Indies.
One notable inclusion is Matthew Forde, who has been recalled after recovering from a shoulder injury he sustained earlier this summer. He is expected to reinforce the team’s efforts on the field. Additionally, Shamar Springer joins the squad to enhance a seam bowling lineup that has been significantly impacted by injuries, with both Ramon Simmons and Jediah Blades unavailable for this series.
The team will also be without left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, who is experiencing a decline in form due to technical issues with his bowling action. This break offers him a chance to work closely with specialists, including the Royals Sports Group, the franchise owners of Paarl Royals in South Africa, to rectify his technique and restore his confidence before the T20 World Cup.
In a positive development for the team’s overall performance, Clinical Psychologist Krisnan Hurdle has been appointed as the Mental Skills and Performance Coach. This strategic hire aims to align the team with best practices in mental conditioning, enhancing their performance in high-pressure international environments. This initiative was first discussed during the CWI’s Quarterly Media briefing on October 1 and stems from recommendations made following a Cricket Strategy and Officiating Committee meeting in August.
Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe emphasized the importance of Hurdle’s appointment, highlighting its potential to improve the mental resilience and overall output of the West Indies team as they prepare for future challenges. The tour to New Zealand promises to be an opportunity for both individual and team development as the players gear up for the international stage.