The selection committee of Cricket West Indies (CWI) has unveiled a 13-player squad for the opening Test match against India, scheduled to commence on July 12 at Windsor Park in Dominica.
Kraigg Brathwaite will retain his role as captain as the West Indies commence the new World Test Championship cycle from 2023 to 2025.
In a significant development, two left-handed batsmen, Alick Athanaze and Kirk McKenzie, have received their maiden call-ups to the Test team.
Athanaze has already showcased his talents in 30 first-class matches, accumulating a total of 1,825 runs, including two centuries.
McKenzie, on the other hand, has featured in nine first-class games, scoring 591 runs, including a solitary hundred.
Cornwall is in contention to return to the playing XI for the West Indies
Athanaze and McKenzie demonstrated their batting prowess, accumulating impressive scores of 220 and 209 runs respectively, contributing to West Indies A’s series victory of 1-0.
Adding further excitement to the squad, all-rounder Rahkeem Cornwall is set to make his comeback after his last Test appearance in November 2021.
With 34 wickets in nine Tests, Cornwall brings valuable skills to the team’s bowling lineup.
Additionally, left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican marks his return to the squad after missing out on the South Africa tour earlier this year.
However, Gudakesh Motie, another left-arm spinner, was unavailable for selection due to an ongoing rehabilitation process.
Meanwhile, Jayden Seales and Kyle Mayers were unable to secure spots in the squad due to rehabilitation and injury concerns respectively.
Desmond Haynes, one of the selectors, expressed admiration for McKenzie and Athanaze, praising their mature and impressive batting approach during the recent tour of Bangladesh with the West Indies A team.
Haynes stated that the young players deserved the opportunity that has been presented to them.
Due to Motie’s absence, Warrican and Cornwall have been given the opportunity to lead the spin bowling department.
With prior experience at the Test level, both players possess the necessary skills to contribute effectively to the team’s performance.
The West Indies squad for the first Test against India consists of Kraigg Brathwaite as captain, with Jermaine Blackwood serving as vice-captain.
The remaining members include Alick Athanaze, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Rahkeem Cornwall, Joshua Da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Kirk McKenzie, Raymon Reifer, Kemar Roach, and Jomel Warrican.
Tevin Imlach and Akeem Jordan have been designated as traveling reserves.
As the West Indies team prepares to face India in the upcoming Test series, the selected players are eager to contribute their skills and make a positive impact in the matches.
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