Probable Jamaica Tallawahs Playing XI for CPL 2021

Two-time winners, Jamaica Tallawahs are aiming for their third title in the 2021 edition of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

The Tallawahs will also be determined to put the poor campaign in last year’s CPL behind them after missing out on the semis, winning just three of their ten league stage fixtures.

Jamaica Tallawahs have made a couple of major changes to their squad from last year, with Shakib Al Hasan, Ibrahim Zadran going out and Chris Green, Shamarh Brooks coming into the ranks.

The Tallawahs start off their campaign on Friday (August 27), a day after the CPL 2021 kickstarts, with a fixture against St Lucia Kings at the Warner Park in Basseterre, St Kitts.

Also Read: Probable St Lucia Kings Playing XI For CPL 2021

What could be the Jamaica Tallawahs playing XI for CPL 2021?

1. Chadwick Walton

Wicketkeeper-batsman Walton will be important at the top of the order for Tallawahs. The 36-year-old right-hander had a poor season with the bat last year in CPL, scoring only 24 runs from his eight innings. But the upcoming tournament offers him a good chance to stand resurrected.

2. Haider Ali

Pakistan young right-hand opening batsman Haider Ali has a great opportunity at his hands to force his way back into the national T20I side. Ali has played 15 T20Is for Pakistan with a strike-rate of 131.95, including two half-centuries. In his overall T20 career, the 20-year-old has a strike-rate of 146.12.

3. Jason Mohammad

Experienced right-hand batter Mohammad could be Jamaica Tallawahs’ No.3 at the start of the CPL 2021. Mohammad, if given the nod at No.3, would have a good opportunity to improve his poor T20 record and prove his worth for the two-time champions.

4. Rovman Powell (c)

Powell, the right-hand batsman and right-arm quick, has the leadership responsibilities on his shoulders for the Tallawahs. The 28-year-old who hasn’t been part of the reckoning for the West Indies T20I side has the chance to remind the selectors and the team management of his talent through the CPL 2021.

5. Andre Russell

For Jamaica Tallawahs to have a better campaign than they did last summer, it is extremely important that their dangerous Andre Russell retains his touch from the last season and continues to pulverise opposition attacks with his willow. Russell smashed 222 runs from his eight innings in the CPL 2020 with an average of 44.40 and strike-rate of 141.40.

6. Carlos Brathwaite

Talking of important players, Brathwaite, if he gets going, could prove to be one as well for the Tallawahs. Brathwaite struggled for flow and consistency last summer as a batter but had a better CPL 2020 as a bowler, taking 10 wickets from as many innings with an economy rate of 8.20.

7. Chris Green

Australian spin all-rounder Green could be the next man on the team sheet for Jamaica Tallawahs, with his ability to tighten up an end in the middle overs and also hit the ball hard. Green has now played 115 T20 matches in his career with an impressive record: economy rate of only 7.03 and strike-rate of 125.69 as a batter.

8. Migael Pretorious

South African seamer Migael Pretorious is one of the latest entrants into the Tallwahs’ squad for the CPL 2021. In his early days as a T20 cricketer, Pretorious has taken 25 wickets from his 19 games with an economy rate of 7.81.

9. Qais Ahmed

Already making a name for himself through leagues around the world, 21-year-old Afghanistan legspinner Qais Ahmed too finds a place in the playing XI here. Despite his age, Qais isn’t short of T20 experience and has taken 90 wickets from his 84 games in the format while carrying an economy rate of 7.17.

10. Fidel Edwards

Experienced right-arm quick Edwards was one of the better performers with the ball for Jamaica Tallwahs in CPL 2020, taking nine wickets from as many games at an economy rate of 7.66. The slingy paceman could be a difficult bowler to get away if he finds his radar and nails the hard lengths, including the yorker.

11. Veeraswammy Permaul

Left-arm spinner Permaul featured in only six matches for Jamaica Tallawahs in CPL 2020 but was still able to contribute quite commendably for his team. He took five wickets and went for just 6.50 runs per over. Permaul will be hoping for his performance last summer to be rewarded with more regular game time in the middle.