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In a significant development for West Indies cricket, the Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming two-Test series in India, which is part of the new ICC World Test Championship cycle. The series, which begins on October 2, will be the first away fixture for the team in the new WTC cycle, and their first Test tour of India since 2018.
Notable inclusions and omission of Kraigg Brathwaite from India Test series
The squad, led by Roston Chase, features several key changes from the team that recently faced Australia. The most notable omission is that of former captain Kraigg Brathwaite, a veteran of 100 Test caps. Brathwaite’s exclusion comes after he was left out of the playing XI for the final Test against Australia earlier this year due to a dip in form. Also missing are Keacy Carty, Johann Layne and Mikyle Louis.
To bolster the batting lineup, particularly against the Indian spin attack, the selectors have recalled Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Alick Athanaze. Chanderpaul, who last played a Test in January 2024, could partner John Campbell at the top of the order. Meanwhile, left-arm spinner Khary Pierre has received his maiden Test call-up, following a stellar performance in the West Indies Championship where he topped the charts with 41 wickets at an average of 13.56. He will serve as the second specialist spinner alongside vice-captain Jomel Warrican. The squad also includes the promising Kevlon Anderson, who keeps his place.
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West Indies’ Test squad composition and series details
The 15-member squad features a mix of experience and emerging talent. The batting group includes captain Roston Chase, Campbell, Chanderpaul, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, Brandon King, Kevlon Anderson and Athanaze. The pace bowling contingent is formidable, with Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Anderson Phillip and Jayden Seales. The spin attack will be led by vice-captain Warrican, with support from Pierre and Chase. Gudakesh Motie has been rested to manage his workload ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup in February and March of next year.
The team is scheduled to depart the Caribbean on September 22 and arrive in Ahmedabad on September 24. The first Test will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, while the second will be held at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in Delhi. Interestingly, only four players from the current squad, Chase, Hope, Alzarri, and Warrican, were part of the West Indies team that last toured India in 2018-19. The two-Test series is a crucial part of the West Indies’ campaign in the new World Test Championship cycle, following a 3-0 loss to Australia.
West Indies squad for two-match Test series against India:
Roston Chase (c), Jomel Warrican, Kevlon Anderson, Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Anderson Phillip, Khary Pierre, Jayden Seales
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