West Indies fast bowler Matthew Forde is out of the upcoming three-game One Day International series against Pakistan which starts Friday. The International Cricket Council confirmed.
Forde hurt his left shoulder while trying to catch a ball during practice on Wednesday. Johann Layne, an all-rounder who has not played an ODI before, has been called up to replace him.
Layne, 21, got the call after playing well for West Indies A against South Africa A. He’ll give the Caribbean team another option for fast bowling.
According to a statement from Cricket West Indies, West Indies Academy fast bowler Johann Layne will replace Matthew Forde in the team for the three games against Pakistan starting on Friday.
This is Layne’s first time being selected for an ODI but he was first called up to the Test team in June this year when Australia toured the West Indies for a three-game series.
The West Indies are already without their main fast bowler Alzarri Joseph who is resting for the series.
Forde was expected to be in the starting lineup with Jayden Seales and Shamar Joseph. Now he’s unavailable, the West Indies might pick Justin Greaves or Layne to take his spot.
Head coach Daren Sammy said Pakistan will be a different test and challenge as we keep pushing to automatically qualify for the 2027 World Cup.
Read Also:- Glenn McGrath Predicts 5-0 Whitewash for Australia Against England
He said while qualifying is important right now, the team’s bigger goal is to build a winning environment.
He added while qualifying is our immediate goal, keeping a winning attitude and team unity is needed for long-term success.
Sammy also said it’s good to play against teams like Pakistan who are ranked higher than the West Indies in the ICC ODI rankings.
The games against teams like Pakistan who are ranked higher will give us important chances to get ranking points and improve our position before the World Cup.
The series will all be played in Trinidad, with the first ODI on August 8, followed by games on August 10 and 12
West Indies Squad
Shai Hope (captain), Jewel Andrew, Jediah Blades, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, Amir Jangoo, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Johann Layne, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd
