West Indies Vs Australia T20I Series: Jewel, Blades Earn Maiden Call-Up As WI Announce Squad - Check Here

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has handed maiden T20I call-ups to teenage sensation Jewel Andrew and left-arm seamer Jediah Blades for the upcoming five-match T20 International series against Australia, to be played from July 20–28 in Jamaica and St. Kitts.

At just 18, Andrew’s selection marks a significant moment in West Indies’ youth development push. The attacking wicketkeeper-batter has impressed selectors with his mature temperament and ability to take on spin — skills that could prove vital on Caribbean pitches.

Alongside him, Blades, who made his international debut against Bangladesh in 2024, gets his first shot at T20I cricket after a standout showing in the inaugural West Indies Breakout League, where he regularly struck early in the PowerPlay.

The squad announcement also sees the inclusion of seasoned allrounder Andre Russell, who brings experience and power to a team balancing youth and continuity.

Shai Hope retains captaincy duties and is joined by senior players like Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, and Rovman Powell. The core of the squad remains unchanged from the group that sealed a recent T20I series win against Ireland.

Head coach Daren Sammy reiterated the team’s long-term focus on the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. “Our goals and strategic plans are aligned to winning the T20 World Cup in 2026. We have continuity in the squad from the previous series, and as a unit we will continue to fine-tune our style and brand ahead of the World Cup,” said Sammy.

He added that the home series against Australia is a chance to set the tone for a winning run at home, after two underwhelming results in the previous home T20I series. “Starting against Australia, we want to regain our form at home as we build momentum into next year’s World Cup with our exciting and dynamic group of players.”

The five-match T20I series begins on July 20 at Sabina Park in Kingston, before shifting to Warner Park in Basseterre for the final three matches.

West Indies T20I Squad Vs Australia:

Shai Hope (Captain), Jewel Andrew, Jediah Blades, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd.

T20I Series Schedule – West Indies vs Australia:

• 1st T20I: July 20 – Sabina Park, Jamaica

• 2nd T20I: July 22 – Sabina Park, Jamaica

• 3rd T20I: July 25 – Warner Park, St. Kitts

• 4th T20I: July 26 – Warner Park, St. Kitts

• 5th T20I: July 28 – Warner Park, St. Kitts

All matches will begin at 7:00 PM local time.