Dwayne Bravo Returns To The West Indies Team After Three Years For Ireland Series

Dwayne Bravo has been sensationally called back to the West Indies side for the upcoming three-match Twenty20 International series that will be played against Ireland. Bravo, the 36-year-old who had announced his retirement a couple of years ago in ordr to focus on franchise cricket, has been included in the 13-man squad. Bravo last played for the T20 side against Pakistan in September 2016 before he quit to concentrate on franchise cricket. Bravo has played 66 T20 internationals for West Indies, taking 52 wickets and scoring 1,142 runs. However, his career has often been controversial. He played the last of his 40 Tests in 2010 and was dumped as ODI skipper in 2014 after leading a walkout during a tour of India over a pay dispute.

West Indies chief selector Roger Harper stated the main reason behind Bravo's inclusion. "Dwayne Bravo was recalled with the specific intention of bolstering our 'death' bowling which was identified as an area that really needs improving. His record in this department speaks for itself. He will also be able to act as a mentor to the other 'death' bowlers and lend his experience wherever needed," Harper said.

Hints Of International Return

Bravo, last year, announced his return to international cricket little over a year after he called it quits due to a bitter fallout with his country’s Board. Bravo said the decision was prompted by the change of guard in the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), where former team manager Ricky Skerritt took over as the new president replacing Dave Cameron earlier this year.

Dwayne Bravo had retired in order to focus on franchise cricket. (Image credit: Getty Images)

"Today I confirm the announcement of my decision to return to International Cricket to all my fans and well-wishers all around the world. It's no secret that this big announcement has come as a result of the changes made at the administration level. For a while now I have been contemplating my return to international cricket and my decision was solidified by these positive changes," he added.

Bravo had a bitter spat with Cameron and had accused him of destroying careers. This was after a Bravo-led West Indies team abandoned a tour of India in 2014 midway during an ODI series owing to a pay dispute with the WICB. Although he announced his retirement in 2018, Bravo has not played for the West Indies since September 2016.

Also Read | Dwayne Bravo Ready For International Return After Change Of Guard At WICB

His last international appearance was a T20I against Pakistan in the UAE. Earlier in November, the 36-year-old hinted that he is considering playing international cricket again while congratulating the West Indies team for a 3-0 clean sweep over Afghanistan in an ODI series in Lucknow.

West Indies T20 squad to face Ireland: Kieron Pollard (captain), Dwayne Bravo, Sheldon Cottrell, Shimron Hetmyer, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Khary Pierre, Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Lendl Simmons, Hayden Walsh, Kesrick Williams

Schedule: 1st T20: Wednesday, Jan 15, Grenada 2nd T20: Saturday, Jan 18, St Kitts 3rd T20: Sunday, Jan 19, St Kitts.

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