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In preparation for the upcoming red-ball series against India, West Indies have unveiled their 13-man squad for the first Test match, starting July 12. The squad includes two uncapped players, Kirk McKenzie and Alick Athanaze, who have earned their maiden call-ups to the national team.
Additionally, West Indies have welcomed back all-rounder Rahkeem Cornwall and left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican. Cornwall last played a Test match in November 2021 against Sri Lanka in Galle, while Warrican missed the South Africa tour in February. Their return will add valuable experience and depth to the squad.
“We were very impressed with the approach to batsmanship of McKenzie and Athanaze on the recent ‘A’ Team tour of Bangladesh,” WI lead selector Desmond Haynes said in his official statement. “These are two young players who got good scores and played with great maturity, and we believe they deserve an opportunity.”
However, left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie was not available for selection. The specific reasons for his unavailability were not disclosed by the team management.
“We are without Motie, who is doing his rehabilitation, and this has created an opportunity for Warrican and Cornwall in the spin bowling department. They have both played at Test match level before and are capable of doing the job,” Haynes added.
He also revealed that young talents Jayden Seales and Kyle Mayers were not yet deemed ready for their return to Test cricket. While both players have shown promise in recent matches, the selectors have opted for a more cautious approach in their development.
The West Indies squad will depart for Dominica on Sunday (July 9) after completing their pre-series camp at Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua. The camp has provided the players with an opportunity to fine-tune their skills and build team cohesion ahead of the challenging series against Rohit Sharma-led India.
As the first Test approaches, the West Indies team will be eager to make a strong impression against a formidable Indian side. The inclusion of promising youngsters and the return of experienced players will contribute to the team’s competitiveness.
West Indies Test squad:
Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Jermaine Blackwood (vice-captain), Alick Athanaze, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Rahkeem Cornwall, Joshua Da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Kirk McKenzie, Raymon Reifer, Kemar Roach, Jomel Warrican
Traveling Reserves: Tevin Imlach, Akeem Jordan
