Kieron Pollard appointed West Indies ODI, T20I captain
West Indies have appointed experienced all-rounder Kieron Pollard as the captain of the ODI and T20I teams. He will replace Jason Holder and Carlos Brathwaite respectively at the helm of both sides. The change signifies another structural overhaul of the team as well as the selection policies.
Pollard last played an ODI for the Windies against Pakistan in October 2016. He was not a part of the squad in the recently concluded World Cup. But a poor performance, which ended in the Windies’ failure to qualify for the semis and the subsequent thrashing at home by India has resulted in a big change. The change was announced in a press conference by CWI President Ricky Skerritt.
BREAKING NEWS – CWI President Ricky Skerritt announces the official appointment of Kieron Pollard as West Indies White Ball captain. #CWIPressConference pic.twitter.com/YicpwakDKE
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) September 9, 2019
Holder to continue as Test skipper
Pollard issuing a press release to the media after his appointment, said:
“I’m truly honoured to be appointed captain of the West Indies and I would like to thank Cricket West Indies’ board of directors for placing their faith and confidence in me. I can’t wait to work with the coaching staff and players as we start building towards future World Cups and give the fans more reasons to get behind the team.”
The West Indies cricket board also confirmed that Jason Holder would continue to lead the team in the Test format. Director of Cricket Jimmy Adams expressed his gratitude towards Holder and Brathwaite for their past leadership of the team. In a statement, he said:
“I would like to place on record the significant contributions and leadership Jason Holder and Carlos Brathwaite have provided the West Indies “white ball” teams and we look forward to them focusing on their own games.”
The board also announced an advertisement for a new full-time head coach for the national team.
Pollard has played 101 ODIs for the Windies, scoring 2289 runs at an average of 25.17 with three centuries. He has also picked up 50 wickets. He has been one of the pillars of the T20I side, playing 62 matches, scoring 903 runs and picking up 23 wickets.
