“His outstanding efforts with the bat could not be ignored any longer”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Roston Chase has been drafted into the West Indies’ squad for their upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan.

Chase has played 10 Tests thus far, but has yet to feature in a limited overs match.

The 25-year-old’s inclusion in the squad stems from his superb showing in the recent three-match Test series against Pakistan, where he scored 403 runs, which included two centuries and two fifties, at an average of 100.75.

In addition to that, he also proved to be handy with the ball as he took six wickets at an average of 40.83.

“He was considered before for ODI selection, primarily because of his all-round ability,” Courtney Browne, the West Indies’ chairman of selectors, said. “With his prolific run scoring in the last Test series and his continued steady all-round performances in the PCL, we now feel it’s time to introduce him to ODI cricket.

“He was not among the leading run-scorers in the Super50 tournament earlier this year, but we believe with his skill set and the way he has been playing, he could be an asset. His outstanding efforts with the bat could not be ignored any longer, coupled with his useful bowling can only add value to our squad.”

While Chase was brought in, the experienced duo of Sunil Narine and Kieron Pollard failed to make the cut.

The ODI series will begin on Friday and all three games will be held at the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground in St Lucia.

West Indies ODI Squad: Jason Holder (captain), Devendra Bishoo, Jonathan Carter, Roston Chase, Miguel Cummins, Shannon Gabriel, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Jason Mohammed, Ashley Nurse, Kieran Powell, Rovman Powell