West Indies Announce Squad for Upcoming Test Series Against Australia
West Indies Prepare for Australia Test Series
St. John's [Antigua], June 11: The West Indies have revealed their 16-player lineup set to compete for the prestigious Sir Frank Worrell Trophy in the upcoming three-match Test series against Australia, commencing on June 25 at Kensington Oval in Barbados.
This series is pivotal for both teams as it marks the start of the World Test Championship cycle for 2025-2027. The West Indies' squad reflects a new direction, featuring several changes from the team that participated in the recent drawn series against Pakistan.
John Campbell makes his return to the squad for the first time since 2022, enhancing the batting options at the top of the order. His selection follows an impressive domestic season, where he scored three centuries.
Joining Campbell is Keacy Carty, who has been recalled to the Test team after his performance in Pakistan. His inclusion is based on his outstanding form across formats, highlighted by two centuries in ODIs against Ireland last month, making him the top run-scorer for the West Indies in the three-match series in England.
Shai Hope, the captain of the white-ball team, is set to return to red-ball cricket for the first time since 2021. Brandon King, who serves as his deputy in ODIs, receives his first call-up alongside Kevlon Anderson.
Miles Bascombe, the Director of Cricket for Cricket West Indies (CWI), stated that the squad selections were made to align with the team's goal of establishing a performance-driven identity in Test cricket. He emphasized the importance of consistent batting and a robust bowling attack in their overall strategy.
"The beginning of the Test Championship Cycle is crucial for generating positive momentum as we aim to improve our rankings. A strong performance against a team like Australia would be ideal in our efforts to restore the West Indies to the top of Test cricket," Bascombe remarked in a CWI statement.
He added, "It was essential to assemble a squad capable of navigating the challenges of this format while applying pressure during critical moments through disciplined and purposeful play."
The fast-bowling lineup will be led by Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph, and Shamar Joseph. Additionally, 21-year-old Johann Layne, who took 63 wickets in 17 first-class matches, and Anderson Phillip, who recently impressed with a five-wicket haul for West Indies A against South Africa A, have been included for added depth.
Captain Roston Chase and vice-captain Jomel Warrican will manage the spin department. Veteran pacer Kemar Roach has been left out of the squad and has been informed accordingly. Other players not included are Gudakesh Motie, Kavem Hodge, Alick Athanaze, Joshua Da Silva, Amir Jangoo, and Kevin Sinclair.
Head coach Darren Sammy has urged fans to be patient with the players, expressing excitement for the series ahead. "I am genuinely looking forward to this series as we aim to establish a stronghold on our home turf during this cycle, with our passionate fans supporting us. The matches will be tough, but I have faith in this group of players, and they are eager to don the maroon and bring joy to our fans," he stated.
West Indies Test Squad for the Series Against Australia: Roston Chase (Captain), Jomel Warrican (Vice Captain), Kevlon Anderson, Kraigg Brathwaite, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Johann Layne, Mikyle Louis, Anderson Phillip, Jayden Seales.