Swashbuckling West Indies batter Rovman Powell has been officially ruled out of the ongoing T20I series against Pakistan after failing to recover from a wrist injury sustained during the recent home series against Australia, which the hosts lost 5-0.
Cricket West Indies confirmed the news ahead of the second T20I, also announcing that no replacement will be named for the remainder of the series.
Powell injured his wrist while attempting a catch in the outfield during the fourth T20I against Australia on July 26 in St. Kitts. The 32-year-old missed the fifth and final game of that series but was still named in the squad to face Pakistan. However, he remained sidelined for the series opener in Lauderhill, Florida, on July 31, as he had not recovered in time.
His absence was felt in the first match, where West Indies fell short by 14 runs. Chasing 179, the hosts managed only 164/7. The Men in Maroon bounced back in the second T20I, led by an all-round performance from Jason Holder, leveling the three-match series under the leadership of Shai Hope.
Powell’s unavailability for the decisive third T20I is a significant setback for West Indies, particularly in the middle order, where his power-hitting and leadership are valuable assets. His injury comes at a crucial juncture as the team aims to break a string of series defeats.
After the last T20I, both teams will travel to Tarouba, Trinidad & Tobago, for a three-match ODI series beginning August 8. Given his current fitness concerns, Powell is unlikely to be included in the ODI squad.
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