Andre Russell

Jamaica's André Russell has been selected to fill the shoes of West Indies big-hitting all-rounder Kieron Pollard for next month's ICC World Twenty20 Championship to be staged in Bangladesh.

The Trinidadian Pollard was left out of the 15-man squad for the tournament, which is slated to run from March 16 to April 6, after failing to recover from a knee injury.

Barbadian Kemar Roach will also not be present to aid the Windies quest of defending the title they won in 2012, as he has been ruled out by a shoulder injury.

six-wicket loss

"He (Pollard) has been one of our top T20 players so he will be missed, but we have guys equally capable of filling that role," West Indies T20 captain Darren Sammy, told Star Sports following yesterday's six-wicket loss to Ireland in the first of their two-game T20 series being played at Sabina Park.

"We have designated André Russell to fit in that role and so far he has done well for us at CPL level and when he played for Worcestershire in the English Premier League. So he (Pollard) will be missed, but it is not a gap that we can't fill."

eagerly waiting

Another Jamaican, Krishmar Santokie, is still waiting to play his third game for the regional outfit after not making the eleven for yesterday's game. The second game is scheduled for tomorrow at the same venue.

"He (Santokie) is in the squad and he is a key player, but it is about giving everybody a chance," Sammy said.

"It is preparation for the World Cup and all the guys who have been playing have done well for the West Indies as well. Santokie will get his chance and I know he is eagerly waiting to come out and perform."

Santokie, who is a left-arm swing bowler, has excelled in the T20 version at the regional level and was voted Player of the Tournament for the inaugural Caribbean Premier League T20.

Jamaica and West Indies T20 star, Chris Gayle, has however, made a welcomed return to action after being sidelined by a hamstring injury, which he sustained while on tour in India last November. Gayle top scored with 18 during yesterday's game, as the West Indies went down by six wickets to Ireland.