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The stage is set for a captivating battle as West Indies and India gear up for a two-match Test series, a part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-2025. The first game will be hosted at Windsor Park in Dominica, while the second match will take place at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad.
The Cricket West Indies (CWI) selection panel has unveiled a 13-member squad for the first Test that will be played from July 12-16. Led by Kraigg Braithwate, this squad showcases a blend of experienced campaigners, promising debutants, and comeback stars, instilling a sense of excitement and anticipation among cricket fans.
However the Windies opening duo of Brathwaite and Tagenarine Chandrapaul find themselves in a crucial position. Their performance in the recent Test series against South Africa was below par, leaving room for improvement. Despite Braithwate’s reputation as a reliable opening batter, the 30-year-old struggled to make an impact. In the four innings the Windies skipper played, his highest score was a modest 18, achieved in the second Test in Johannesburg. Overall, he managed just 46 runs in the series.
On the other hand, Brathwaite’s opening partner, Tagenarine, faced a similar struggle during the South Africa series. His highest score across the two Tests was 22, and he signed off the series with a mere 35 runs to his name. With the series being played on home turf this time, both the openers will be determined to provide a solid start and make significant contributions to their team’s success.
The West Indies squad included two uncapped players who have earned their maiden call-ups to the Test team. Alick Athanaze and Kirk McKenzie have showcased their talent in domestic cricket, amassing impressive runs for their respective teams. Athanaze boasts an impressive record of 1,825 runs in 30 first-class games, including two centuries. McKenzie, with nine first-class games under his belt, has accumulated 591 runs, including a well-earned century. Their recent outstanding performances for the West Indies A side against Bangladesh have further solidified their selection, boosting the team’s batting depth. The team can use them in the number three and four spot, respectively.
Similarly, the performances of Raymon Reifer and Jermaine Blackwood in the recent away series against South Africa have caught the attention of fans and selectors. Despite the challenging conditions, both players showcased promising form, surpassing the half-century mark on one occasion each. With India’s formidable pace attack posing a significant threat, Reifer and Blackwood will shoulder the responsibility of stabilizing the middle order and providing resilience against the Indian seamers.
Joshua Da Silva, the wicketkeeper-batter for the West Indies, had a difficult start with the bat in the first Test against the Proteas. However, he showcased signs of improvement in the second Test with valuable knocks of 26 and 34 in the first and second innings, respectively, in Johannesburg. The Windies fans will be hopeful that Da Silva can unleash his counter-attacking prowess from the number seven position against India in the upcoming series.
Jason Holder, the former captain of the West Indies cricket team, experienced a mixed bag of performances in recent encounters. While he showcased his prowess with both bat and ball against South Africa, his involvement in the loss against the Netherlands in the 2023 World Cup qualifier will weigh heavily on his mind. As the West Indies prepare to face India, Holder must overcome past setbacks and embrace a fresh beginning to contribute significantly to his team’s success.
The inclusion of all-rounder Rahkeem Cornwall brings experience and versatility to the West Indies lineup. Cornwall, making a comeback after his last Test appearance in November 2021, has already showcased his potential with 34 wickets in nine Tests. His allround ability adds valuable options for the team’s balance.
As far as the pace bowling is concerned, Kemar Roach, an immensely talented fast bowler from Barbados, carries the legacy of the great West Indian fast bowlers. With his unique ability to generate tremendous pace despite his relatively shorter stature, Roach has been a crucial member of the West Indies bowling attack. However, his recent performance in the series against South Africa was not up to his usual standards. Barring a five-wicket haul in the second innings of the Centurion Test he struggled to leave a lasting impression. As the leader of the West Indies’ pace battery, Roach will undoubtedly be disappointed with his performance and eager to bounce back stronger against India.
Alzarri Joseph emerged as the lone ray of hope in the disastrous series against South Africa for the West Indies. With his exceptional use of height and ability to generate intimidating bounce, Joseph terrorized the African batters, taking a remarkable 12 wickets. As the West Indies prepare to face India, Joseph’s menacing presence looms as the number one threat to India’s formidable batting lineup.
West Indies Probable XI for 1st Test against India:
Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Alick Athanaze, Kirk McKenzie, Raymon Reifer, Jermaine Blackwood (vc), Joshua Da Silva (wk), Jason Holder, Rahkeem Cornwall, Kemar Roach, Alzarri Joseph.
West Indies squad for 1st Test against India
Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Jermaine Blackwood (vc), Alick Athanaze, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Rahkeem Cornwall, Joshua Da Silva (wk), Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Kirk McKenzie, Raymon Reifer, Kemar Roach, Jomel Warrican.
Traveling Reserves: Tevin Imlach, Akeem Jordan.
