In preparation for the upcoming red-ball sequence in opposition to India, West Indies have unveiled their 13-man squad for the primary Check match, beginning July 12. The squad contains two uncapped gamers, Kirk McKenzie and Alick Athanaze, who’ve earned their maiden call-ups to the nationwide staff.

Moreover, West Indies have welcomed again all-rounder Rahkeem Cornwall and left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican. Cornwall final performed a Check match in November 2021 in opposition to Sri Lanka in Galle, whereas Warrican missed the South Africa tour in February. Their return will add useful expertise and depth to the squad.

“We had been very impressed with the strategy to batsmanship of McKenzie and Athanaze on the latest ‘A’ Group tour of Bangladesh,” WI lead selector Desmond Haynes mentioned in his official assertion. “These are two younger gamers who received good scores and performed with nice maturity, and we consider they deserve a possibility.”

Nevertheless, left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie was not accessible for choice. The precise causes for his unavailability weren’t disclosed by the staff administration.

“We’re with out Motie, who’s doing his rehabilitation, and this has created a possibility for Warrican and Cornwall within the spin bowling division. They’ve each performed at Check match degree earlier than and are able to doing the job,” Haynes added.

He additionally revealed that younger skills Jayden Seales and Kyle Mayers weren’t but deemed prepared for his or her return to Check cricket. Whereas each gamers have proven promise in latest matches, the selectors have opted for a extra cautious strategy of their growth.

The West Indies squad will depart for Dominica on Sunday (July 9) after finishing their pre-series camp at Coolidge Cricket Floor in Antigua. The camp has supplied the gamers with a possibility to fine-tune their abilities and construct staff cohesion forward of the difficult sequence in opposition to Rohit Sharma-led India.

As the primary Check approaches, the West Indies staff might be desperate to make a robust impression in opposition to a formidable Indian aspect. The inclusion of promising kids and the return of skilled gamers will contribute to the staff’s competitiveness.

West Indies Check squad:

Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Jermaine Blackwood (vice-captain), Alick Athanaze, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Rahkeem Cornwall, Joshua Da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Kirk McKenzie, Raymon Reifer, Kemar Roach, Jomel Warrican

Touring Reserves: Tevin Imlach, Akeem Jordan