Stars could align for dream Windies XI

With news that the West Indies Cricket Board has reversed its controversial stance regarding star players and compulsory appearances in domestic tournaments, the face of the game in the Caribbean could change in the coming months.

Quick Single: Windies stars set to return after backflip

The WICB announced a "temporary amnesty" on their selection protocols, meaning their superstar short-format players – who have long been at loggerheads with the governing body – could return to the ODI team as soon as September as the Windies gun for a World Cup berth at the 2019 tournament.

With an array of talent to suddenly choose from, we've taken a look at what a 'Windies Best XI' might look like:

1) Chris Gayle

M: 269 | Runs: 9221 | Ave: 37.33 | SR: 85.11 | 100s: 22 | 50s: 47 | HS: 215

ODIs since 2015 World Cup: 0

2) Lendl Simmons

M: 68 | Runs: 1958 | Ave: 31.58 | SR: 73.05 | 100s: 2 | 50s: 16 | HS: 122

ODIs since 2015 World Cup: 0

3) Darren Bravo

M: 94 | Runs: 2595 | Ave: 32.03 | SR: 69.87 | 100s: 3 | 50s: 17 | HS: 124

ODIs since 2015 World Cup: 13

Having been on the outer due to a public spat with West Indies Cricket Board president Dave Cameron, Bravo looks set to return to the fold in both Test and ODI cricket after a truce was seemingly agreed to between player and official.

4) Marlon Samuels

M: 187 | Runs: 5180 | Ave: 34.30 | SR: 76.24 | 100s: 10 | 50s: 28 | HS: 133*

ODIs since 2015 World Cup: 13

Samuels was sensationally dumped from the ODI side in February for contravening the selection policy that has now (at least temporarily) been relaxed. His record and experience in big games make him a near certain inclusion.

5) Shai Hope (wk)

M: 18 | Runs: 624 | Ave: 41.60 | SR: 66.73 | 100s: 1 | 50s: 3 | HS: 101

ODIs since 2015 World Cup: 13

One of the rare bright spots for the Windies ODI side since the last World Cup, Hope has quickly adjusted to 50-over cricket and offers both youthful exuberance and a wicketkeeping option having taken the gloves from veteran Denesh Ramdin.

6) Kieron Pollard

M: 101 | Runs: 2289 | Ave: 25.71 | SR: 92.89 | 100s: 3 | 50s: 9 | HS: 119 | Wkts: 50 | Ave: 39.12 | Econ: 5.74 | BB: 3-27

ODIs since 2015 World Cup: 10

The towering 30-year-old's overall ODI record and recent form don't do justice to his incredible ability in all three facets of the game, which make him a potential match-winner in every side he plays.

7) Dwayne Bravo

M: 164 | Runs: 2968 | Ave: 25.36 | SR: 82.30 | 100s: 2 | 50s: 10 | HS: 112* | Wkts: 199 | Ave: 29.51 | Econ: 5.41 | BB: 6-43

ODIs since 2015 World Cup: 0

The former skipper hasn't played any form of 50-over cricket in two-and-a-half years, but his intelligent bowling and powerful batting make him a certain inclusion if his mind and body are willing after playing only 20-over cricket since the last World Cup.

8) Andre Russell

M: 51 | Runs: 985 | Ave: 28.97 | SR: 130.81 | 100s: 0 | 50s: 4 | HS: 92* | Wkts: 64 | Ave: 32.28 | Econ: 5.84 | BB: 4-35

ODIs since 2015 World Cup: 1

9) Jason Holder

M: 63 | Runs: 811 | Ave: 22.52 | SR: 92.36 | 100s: 0 | 50s: 3 | HS: 68 | Wkts: 84 | Ave: 32.50 | Econ: 5.40 | BB: 5-27

ODIs since 2015 World Cup: 30

A pillar of resistance in a dark period of Windies cricket, the skipper would surely thrive with some experienced superstars alongside him. Holder would take the new ball and could well be the most accomplished No.9 in world cricket.

10) Sunil Narine

M: 65 | Wkts: 92 | Ave: 26.46 | Econ: 4.12 | BB: 6-27 | 5wi: 2

ODIs since 2015 World Cup: 13