In Short
- McKenzie and Athanaze earned call-ups after their performances for West Indies A
- West Indies and India will play a two-test match series
- 1st Test will begin on July 12, followed by the second from July 20
By India Today Sports DeskWest Indies made some surprising inclusions and exclusions in their team for the upcoming Test series against India. The Kraigg Brathwaite-led 13-player squad for the first Test in Dominica includes two uncapped batters and the return of a spinner.
Left-hand batter Kirk McKenzie has been called up to the squad based on his strong performances for West Indies A during their recent series against Bangladesh A. Alongside him, left-handed batter Alick Athanaze is also in line for his Test debut. Chief selector Desmond Haynes expressed confidence in the young duo, believing they have a promising future in West Indies cricket.
“We were very impressed with the approach to batsmanship of McKenzie and Athanaze on the recent ‘A’ Team tour of Bangladesh,” Haynes said. “These are two young players who got good scores and played with great maturity, and we believe they deserve an opportunity.”
However, the biggest surprise in the squad is the inclusion of Rahkeem Cornwall, the tall off-spinner. Cornwall is set to play his 10th Test and his first appearance since November 2021 if he is selected in the final XI. This selection comes as the first-choice spinner Gudakesh Motie is sidelined due to injury. Left-arm tweaker Jomel Warrican has also been included as an option to take on the Indian team.
“We are without Motie, who is doing his rehabilitation, and this has created an opportunity for Warrican and Cornwall in the spin bowling department,” Haynes said. “They have both played at Test match level before and are capable of doing the job.”
Looking ahead to the series, selector Desmond Haynes emphasised the importance of forgetting the disappointment of missing out on qualifying for this year’s World Cup. The team aims to start the new World Test Championship cycle on a positive note.
Haynes said”Looking ahead to the series we know it will be a challenging one as we start the new cycle of the ICC Test Match Championship. We want to build and improve and strive to move up the ladder.”
The first Test will commence at Windsor Park in Dominica on July 12, followed by the second Test at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad from July 20. West Indies
West Indies squad for first TestKraigg Brathwaite (c), Jermaine Blackwood (vc), Alick Athanaze, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Rahkeem Cornwall, Joshua Da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Kirk McKenzie, Raymon Reifer, Kemar Roach, Jomel Warrican
Traveling ReservesTevin Imlach, Akeem Jordan.
Kole Prosacco
Ryleigh Mante
Emanuel Schmitt