Obed McCoy To Replace Matthew Forde for the Remainder of the T20I “Rivalry” Series Against England
Gros Islet, Saint Lucia- In a significant lineup change, left-arm seamer Obed McCoy has been brought into the West Indies Senior Men’s T20I squad as a replacement for the injured medium-pacer Matthew Forde for the remainder of the thrilling five-match T20I series against England, taking place in picturesque Saint Lucia.
Forde, who earned the title of Player of the Series during the One Day International segment of the tour—where the West Indies achieved a superb series win—has unfortunately suffered a left thigh injury during a training session on Wednesday, 13 November, at the Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium. The talented 22-year-old Forde will be under close observation by the medical team as he progresses toward a complete recovery.
In light of Forde’s injury, McCoy, who was initially sidelined due to an injury sustained during the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), has received medical clearance to make his return to the field. The left-arm seamer boasts an impressive record, having taken 49 wickets in 38 T20 Internationals for the West Indies. He is set to join the squad on Friday, 15 November, just in time for the pivotal back-to-back matches scheduled over the weekend to wrap up the Rivalry series.
West Indies T20I Squad:
- Rovman Powell (Captain)
- Roston Chase
- Shimron Hetmyer
- Terrance Hinds
- Shai Hope
- Akeal Hosein
- Alzarri Joseph
- Brandon King
- Evin Lewis
- Obed McCoy
- Gudakesh Motie
- Nicholas Pooran
- Sherfane Rutherford
- Romario Shepherd
- Shamar Springer
Team Management:
Head Coach: Daren Sammy
Team Manager: Rawl Lewis
Assistant Coach (Fielding): Rayon Griffith
Assistant Coach (Batting): Floyd Reifer
Assistant Coach (Bowling): James Franklin
Physiotherapist: Dr. Denis Byam
Strength & Conditioning Coach: Ronald Rogers
Team Masseuse: Dane Currency
Team Analyst: Avenesh Seetaram
Media & Content Officer: Jerome Foster
Remaining West Indies vs England T20I Series Schedule:
4th T20 International: 16 November 2024- Daren Sammy Stadium, Saint Lucia
5th T20 International: 17 November 2024- Daren Sammy Stadium, Saint Lucia
How does Obed McCoy’s return from injury influence team dynamics and strategies for the upcoming matches?
**Interview with Obed McCoy: New Addition to the West Indies T20I Squad**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Obed. Let’s dive right into it. You’ve been called up to replace Matthew Forde for the remainder of the T20I series against England. How does it feel to be back on the squad, especially after your own injury setback?
**Obed McCoy:** Thanks for having me! It feels absolutely fantastic to be back in the squad. I had a tough time dealing with my injury during the CPL, so to get medical clearance and join the team again is a huge relief. I’m excited to contribute to the team’s efforts in this important series.
**Editor:** Matthew Forde was a standout performer during the ODI series and was named Player of the Series. How do you plan to step into his shoes and what do you think you can bring to the team?
**Obed McCoy:** I’ve watched Forde excel, and he’s definitely been a key player for us. My focus is on maintaining the momentum he created. I bring my own style of bowling, which is aggressive with a variation in pace, and I hope to complement our bowling attack with those strengths. I want to help us close out the series strongly.
**Editor:** The T20I series against England is highly competitive. What are your expectations as you prepare for the upcoming matches?
**Obed McCoy:** The rivalry with England is always intense. We need to be fully focused and execute our plans effectively. I believe our team has the skill to take on any opponent, and I’m looking forward to contributing to that team spirit. Winning back-to-back matches this weekend would be ideal.
**Editor:** With your impressive T20 record, how do you manage the pressure of performing in critical moments, especially against a strong team like England?
**Obed McCoy:** Playing in high-pressure situations is part of the game. I’ve learned to focus on the process rather than the outcome—take it ball by ball. I rely on my experience and the guidance from more seasoned teammates. Staying calm and sticking to my strengths will be key.
**Editor:** Lastly, any messages you’d like to send to fans who have supported you and the team?
**Obed McCoy:** Absolutely! I want to thank the fans for their unwavering support. We’re going to give our best on the field, and I hope to make them proud. Keep cheering for us as we aim for victory!
**Editor:** Thank you, Obed! We look forward to seeing you shine in the upcoming matches. Good luck!
**Obed McCoy:** Thank you! Excited to get back to playing.