Veteran batsman Chris Gayle was a surprise absence from the West Indies squad named for a one-off T20I against Ireland and five T20Is against England.

The 42-year-old had been expected to be given his international farewell in front of his home crowd at Sabina Park in Kingston. But the Jamaican government has announced that fans will not be allowed at sporting events due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The West Indies host Ireland in a three-match ODI series and a one-off T20I from 8-16 January.

The two-time world champions then travel to Barbados to face England in five T20Is at Kensington Oval from 22-30 January.

Captain Kieron Pollard (34) returns having missed the tour of Pakistan after failing to recover from a hamstring injury he sustained during the recent T20 World Cup.

West Indies squads

ODIs vs Ireland: Kieron Pollard (c), Shai Hope, Shamarh Brooks, Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales, Nicholas Pooran, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Devon Thomas

T20Is vs Ireland and England: Kieron Pollard (c), Nicholas Pooran, Fabian Allen (England T20I only), Darren Bravo (England T20Is only), Roston Chase, Sheldon Cottrell, Dominic Drakes, Shai Hope, Akel Hosein, Jason Holder, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Rovman Powell, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Hayden Walsh Jr.

© Agence France-Presse