Pakistan tour of West Indies first Test is all set to begin on August 12 at Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica. Notably, the series will be part of the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. Meanwhile, West Indies have announced a 13-member squad for the first Test against Pakistan. Notably, one big name which is Rahkeem Cornwall has not been selected in the squad.
Although Rahkeem Cornwall has missed out on the first Test, However batsman Nkrumah Bonner has been included in the squad. Notably, Bonner will be making a comeback in the team. As he was injured during the series against South Africa in June 2021. After he suffered an injury he was ruled out of the entire series against South Africa.
The stage is set at Sabina Park! 🏟
The first match in the Betway Test Series presented by Osaka Batteries vs. Pakistan begins tomorrow morning! 🌞 #MenInMaroon #WIvPAK 🏏🌴 pic.twitter.com/k80uklWZ1h
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) August 12, 2021
Meanwhile, Spinner Jomel Warrican also has been selected in the squad. While talking about Jomel Warrican lead selector Roger Harper said they wanted more variety in the squad.
“The Selection Panel chose a squad that provides both pace and spin bowling options. With Roston Chase included, variety was considered in the selection of Jomel Warrican,” Harper said in a press release.
“I look forward to our batsmen scoring big” – West Indies lead selector Roger Harper
The #MenInMaroon battle in the Betway Tests presented by Osaka Batteries Series tomorrow! #WIvPAK
🏟️ Sabina Park
⏰ 11:00 A.M. AST pic.twitter.com/gD2S7B1T8u— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) August 11, 2021
Team West Indies had a poor outing with the bat in the recent Test series against South Africa which happened in June. Notably, South Africa defeated West Indies in both tests comfortably. Meanwhile, West Indies was unable to cross the 200 runs mark in single innings during the 2 Test matches. The batsmen struggled a lot against the South Africa bowling unit.
Also, Roger Harper expects the West Indies batsmen to deliver a good performance with the bat in the Pakistan series.
“The team does very well when our batsmen score centuries as we saw against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. So, I look forward to our batsmen scoring big,” Harper added.
West Indies squad: Kraigg Brathwaite (C), Jermaine Blackwood (VC), Nkrumah Bonner, Roston Chase, Joshua Da Silva, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Kieran Powell, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Jomel Warrican