Port of Spain: According to the ICC, West Indies seamer Matthew Forde has sustained an injury and will not be participating in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan beginning Friday.
Forde suffered a left shoulder injury while attempting a catch during a training session on Wednesday, and the uncapped allrounder Johann Layne will take his place in the West Indies team.
Layne gets a callup after some strong performances for West Indies A against South Africa A, with the 21-year-old offering the Caribbean team yet another seam bowling alternative.
West Indies coach Daren Sammy expects that the series against Pakistan will give his team a strong start to their attempt to qualify for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in 2027.
Pakistan provides a new test and challenge as we strive for automatic qualification for the 2027 World Cup. While qualifying is our primary focus, maintaining a winning attitude and team cohesion are critical for long-term success. The upcoming matches against higher-ranked opponents, such as Pakistan, provide important chances to gain significant ranking points and boost our position before the World Cup, according to Sammy, as reported by the ICC.
The first match between the West Indies and Pakistan is planned to begin in Trinidad on Friday.
West Indies team: Shai Hope (c), 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.
Series Schedule
First ODI: August 8, Trinidad.
Second ODI: August 10, Trinidad.
Third ODI: August 12, Trinidad.
