Veteran Chris Gayle has been named as the vice-captain of West Indies’ squad for the upcoming 2019 ICC World Cup in England.

The 39-year-old opening batsman last held a Windies’ leadership role in 2010 when he captained the ODI squad and he will now serve as deputy to skipper Jason Holder in the World Cup.

Gayle has earlier announced his intentions to retire from international cricket post the culmination of the 2019 World Cup.

“It is always an honour to represent the West Indies in any format and this World Cup for me is special,” the left-hander said on his appointment.

“As a senior player it is my responsibility to support the captain and everyone else in the team.

“This will probably be the biggest World Cup, so there will be great expectations and I know we will do very well for the people of the West Indies.”

While Gayle will deputise in the World Cup, young wicketkeeper batsman Shai Hope has been named as the side’s vice-captain for the ongoing ODI tri-series in Ireland.

“It’s a tremendous honour to be appointed vice captain for this series here in Ireland,” said Hope.

“Ahead of this tournament I was asked to take on this role and I was happy to accept. Anything I’m asked to do for West Indies cricket I’m always happy and willing to put my hand up, so this is great,” he added.

Windies had earlier opened their tri-series campaign against Ireland on Sunday with a 196-run win and are in action again on Tuesday against Bangladesh.

The Caribbean side will open their 2019 World Cup campaign on May 31 when they take on Pakistan at Trent Bridge.

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