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Jewel Andrew and Jediah Blades earn maiden call-ups for West Indies T20I squad to face Australia
Jediah Blades
SportsMax – Two of the region’s most promising young talents, Jewel Andrew and Jediah Blades, have earned their maiden T20 International call-ups as part of a 16-member West Indies squad named to face Australia in a five-match T20I series starting July 20 at Sabina Park in Kingston.
Cricket West Indies (CWI) made the announcement on Tuesday, confirming that the core of the squad which recently secured a series win over Ireland has been retained, with the addition of the exciting newcomers set to inject fresh energy into the team.
Andrew, just 18 years old, is widely regarded as one of the region’s brightest batting prospects. A stylish right-hander who also serves as a back-up wicketkeeper, Andrew has impressed selectors with his aggressive intent and control against spin—a key asset as the team builds toward the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
Blades, a left-arm seamer who made his international debut in 2024 against Bangladesh, was a standout performer in the inaugural West Indies Breakout League. Known for his effectiveness in the powerplay, the young pacer brings a new dimension to the bowling attack with his ability to swing the ball early and maintain pressure with the new ball.
Shai Hope will continue to lead the side, with experienced players such as Jason Holder, Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Akeal Hosein, and Shimron Hetmyer all named in the squad. The return of Evin Lewis and Sherfane Rutherford adds depth to the batting lineup, while the pace battery is strengthened by the likes of Alzarri Joseph, Romario Shepherd, and Matthew Forde.
Jewel Andrew
Head Coach Daren Sammy said the series forms part of the team’s long-term strategy leading into the next T20 World Cup.
“Our goals and strategic plans are aligned to winning the T20 World Cup in 2026,” Sammy said. “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.”
Sammy also emphasized the importance of re-establishing the team’s dominance on home soil.
“Our previous two T20 series at home we were on the wrong end of the results, but 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 series begins with back-to-back matches at Sabina Park on July 20 and 22, before moving to Warner Park in St. Kitts for the remaining three fixtures on July 25, 26, and 28. All matches will bowl off at 7:00 PM local time.
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
The squad will be guided by a seasoned support team led by Head Coach Daren Sammy, with Floyd Reifer (batting), Ravi Rampaul (bowling), and Rayon Griffith (fielding) as assistant coaches. The team is managed by Rawl Lewis.
With momentum building and World Cup ambitions in sharp focus, all eyes will be on the West Indies as they look to make a statement against an in-form Australian side.
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