In addition to the newcomers, West Indies have also included Rahkeem Cornwall, who last played a Test match in November 2021, and Jomel Warrican, a left-arm spinner who was absent from the tour of South Africa in February.
After a disappointing exit from the ICC World Cup qualifiers, West Indies, who have been crowned ODI world champions twice before, have shifted their focus to the Test series against India. It will be the first time in history that West Indies have failed to qualify for the ODI World Cup, which will be held in India later this year.
“Going into the series, we know it will be a challenge as we start the new cycle of the ICC Test Match Championship. We want to build and improve and strive to move up the ladder,” said Lead Selector Desmond Haynes in a statement.
“We were very impressed with the batting approach of McKenzie and Athanaze on the recent ‘A’ team tour of Bangladesh. These are two young players who scored well and played with great maturity and we believe they deserve a chance.”
Haynes explained that due to left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie’s ongoing recovery from injury, it opened up an opportunity for Cornwall and Warrican to contribute in the bowling department.
“They have both played in Test matches before and are capable of doing the job,” he said.
Due to injury concerns, Jayden Seales and Kyle Mayers have unfortunately been excluded from the squad. Tevin Imlach and Akeem Jordan have been designated as the travelling reserves for the first Test, scheduled to take place in Dominica from July 12.
The second Test will be held in Trinidad, starting July 20.
(AI image)
This Caribbean tour holds significant importance as it marks the inaugural matches for both West Indies and India in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-2025.
Following the Test series, a three-match ODI series will commence on July 27, followed by five T20Is.
West Indies Squad for 1st Test: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Jermaine Blackwood, Alick Athanaze, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Rahkeem Cornwall, Joshua Da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Kirk McKenzie, Raymon Reifer, Kemar Roach, Jomel Warrican
(With agency inputs)
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