West Indies announce 15-member test squad for the two match test series against Australia. The selectors made a lot of bold moves as some regular test players are missing from the squad. Seven players earn their maiden call-up for the test squad.
The Windies squad looks inexperienced as big names like Jason Holder and Kyle Mayers opt out. Both the all-rounders turn their attention to the upcoming T20I series and focus on the T20 World Cup. In the meantime, Holder will be playing in the UAE’s ILT20 competition . Kyle Mayers is the part of Durban Super Giants squad in the SA20 competition.
Kraigg Brathwaite will lead the Test squad and they will be up against the World Test Champions Australia down under. Domestic standout Zachary McCaskie, a 27-year-old right-handed batter, has earned his maiden Test call-up.
Guyana’s Tevin Imlach and Barbados’s Justin Greaves are the two young all-rounders part of the 15-man test squad. Off-spinner Kevin Sinclair gets a surprise call-up from the West Indies team Management. Akeem Jordan and Shamar Joseph are the two young fast bowlers who will assist Alzarri Joseph.
Future in Focus: Long-Term Vision Guides Selection Decisions
“The squad has been affected by the unavailability of some key players. However, we have had a very strong red-ball program being run over the past year. Which has unearthed significant talent throughout the region,” said West Indies lead selector Desmond Haynes, the legendary opening batter.
“The selected players have passed each test given to them. They must now be given the opportunity to showcase their skills in the Test arena. “Australia away is always a challenge, but we are confident in our team.”
The main challenge will be for Captain Kraig Brathwaite will be in the bowling department as Jayden Seales will also miss the series due to a shoulder injury and other inexperienced bowlers in the team.
West Indies will play a four-day warm-up fixture before taking on Australia in the first test in Adelaide on January 17. The second test will be a pink ball test which begins on January 25 at the Gabba.
West Indies Test Squad for Australia Tour 2024
Kraigg Brathwaite (C), Alzarri Joseph (VC), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Kirk McKenzie, Alick Athanaze, Kavem Hodge, Justin Greaves, Joshua DeSilva, Akeem Jordan, Gudakesh Motie, Kemar Roach, Kevin Sinclair, Tevin Imlach, Shamar Joseph, Zachary McCaskie.
