Windies recalls Gayle for start of England ODI series

Chris Gayle was included in the Windies ODI squad to take on England, while Nicholas Pooran, Evin Lewis and Ashley Nurse also got the nod.

West Indies batsman Chris Gayle

Chris Gayle is back in the West Indies squad for the first two ODIs against England along with the uncapped Nicholas Pooran.

The powerful opening batsman made himself unavailable for selection for the tours of India and Bangladesh due to his participation in the Afghanistan Premier League and the T10 League.

Gayle is set to return against England after the 39-year-old was named in a 14-man squad on Thursday.

Batsman Pooran, who can also keep wicket, could make his international debut in the 50-over format, while Evin Lewis returns after missing the India tour and Bangladesh ODIs for personal reasons.

Ashley Nurse is included after the spinner recovered from a shoulder injury, but Marlon Samuels misses out due to a knee problem and there is no place for Roston Chase or Carlos Brathwaite.

Paceman Shannon Gabriel could feature later in the series, having played a big part in the Test series win over England.

The first of five ODIs gets under way at the Kensington Oval on February 20.

West Indies squad:  Jason Holder (captain), Fabian Allen, Devendra Bishoo, Darren Bravo, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Evin Lewis, Ashley Nurse, Keemo Paul, Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell, Kemar Roach, Oshane Thomas.