Ashish Ranjan
After failing to qualify for the upcoming ODI World Cup, the West Indies are currently under considerable strain. The squad will then face India in a two-match Test series, three-match ODI series, and five-match T20I series. Prior to that, Cricket West Indies has announced a 13-member squad and two reserve players for the first Test, which is scheduled to take place from July 12 to 16 at Windsor Park in Dominica.
Kirk McKenzie, a left-handed batsman, has earned his first call-up to the West Indies squad. Alick Athanaze, another left-handed batsman, is the other uncapped player in the squad. After being absent from the squad since November 2021, all-rounder Rahkeem Cornwall has also reclaimed his position. The 28-year-old left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie is currently undergoing rehabilitation and is therefore unavailable for selection.
“We were very impressed with McKenzie and Athanaze’s approach to batting during the recent ‘A’ Team tour of Bangladesh. We believe that these two young players, who earned high scores and demonstrated remarkable maturity, deserve an opportunity. The absence of Motie, who is undergoing rehabilitation, has opened the door for Warrican and Cornwall in the spin bowling department. “Both have played in Test matches before and are qualified for the job,” said chief selector Desmond Haynes.
“Jayden Seales has made significant progress in his recovery from surgery while in camp. However, we believe he is not yet ready to return, and we do not wish to put him at risk at this time. “Kyle Mayers was also considered, but he has some niggles, and it would be prudent not to put him through the rigors of a five-day match at this point,” he added.
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In the previous cycle of the World Test Championship, the West Indies defeated England 1-0 in a three-match series, and they would hope to replicate that performance against India, who would be anxious to perform well after their recent failure in the ODI World Cup qualifiers.
West Indies Squad – 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
