Kemar Roach returns as West Indies announce Test squad for South Africa series

West Indies, on Friday (August 2), announced their Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against South Africa at home. The series is scheduled to be played from August 7.

The first Test is scheduled to be played at the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad and Tobago while the second and final Test Match will take place in Guyana at the National Stadium. The hosts have rested their vice-captain Alzarri Joseph for the series as a part of his workload management. Alzarri played in all three Tests against England last month and picked up 10 wickets.

West Indies head coach Andre Coley said that the team management decided to rest Alzarri for the series. Coley said that the pacer needed a break and it would help him recuperate and return to his best form. Kevin Sinclair is also not a part of the series as he is still recovering from the forearm injury that he suffered while facing Mark Wood during the England series.

"The squad we have chosen for this series is a balanced mix of experience and youth, strategically selected to maximize our performance in the conditions of Trinidad and Guyana. We have decided to rest our vice-captain Alzarri Joseph for this series," said Coley.

"Alzarri has had a considerable workload recently, and this break will allow him to recuperate and return to peak performance. Kevin Sinclair is presently recovering from an injury," he added.

West Indies squad:

With Alzarri out, wicketkeeper-batsman Joshua Da Silva has replaced him as the vice-captain of the team. West Indies have also recalled veteran pacer Kemar Roach who missed the tour of England due to a knee injury.

West Indies will be looking to return to winning ways after their poor campaign in England. The Kraigg Brathwaite-led side suffered a humiliating whitewash against England and will be looking to bounce back against South Africa.

West Indies Test squad:

Kraigg Brathwaite (Captain), Joshua Da Silva (Vice-Captain), Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Bryan Charles, Justin Greaves, Jason Holder, Kavem Hodge, Tevin Imlach, Shamar Joseph, Mikyle Louis, Gudakesh Motie, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Jomel Warrican

West Indies vs South Africa Test Series schedule:

• 7 - 11 Aug 2024 1st Test Match Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad and Tobago
• 15 - 18 Aug 2024 2nd Test Match National Stadium, Guyana