Shamarh Brooks And Chemar Holder Return In West Indies' 17-Member Provisional Squad For Pakistan Tests

The West Indies have announced a 17-member preliminary squad for the upcoming two-Test series at home against Pakistan. The two Tests will take place at the Sabina Park in Kingston, with the opening one from the 12th of August and the second from the 20th. The rubber forms a part of the second cycle of the ICC World Test Championship.

The selection panel has recalled fast bowler Chemar Holder, who made his Test debut against New Zealand last year. The 17-man squad, captained by opener Kraigg Brathwaite, sees batsman Shamarh Brooks return as well. But experienced campaigners in Shannon Gabriel and Darren Bravo have missed out on the selection.

Roger Harper, chief of the selection panel, underlined that they decided to give Shannon Gabriel more time to recover from his injury. The former West Indies cricketer explained Brooks’ selection by claiming he scored a century in a four-day fixture last week. Harper opened up on Bravo’s omission, saying he has received time off from the bubble since he spent a long time within it.

“Chemar Holder returns, having recovered from his injury. He will bolster the fast bowling department. Shamarh Brooks batted his way into the provisional squad by scoring an accomplished century. He will certainly add some depth to the squad’s batting. Shannon Gabriel has been given time to rehab fully and build his conditioning, so he was not part of the preparations for the Test series against Pakistan, which included the Best v Best game. Darren Bravo has been part of the ‘bubble’ from the preparation camp leading into the Betway Test series against South Africa and has been given a break,” Harper claimed as per the official website.

Roger Harper expects the West Indies to put on a good performance:

Roger Harper also wants the home side to be highly competitive in every unit, playing with passion and determination. The 58-year old wants the batting department to deliver as they did against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka earlier this year.

“I expect the team to be highly competitive in every department while playing with passion, purpose and determination. I look forward to the batsmen stepping up as they did in the series against Bangladesh and against Sri Lanka earlier this year in Antigua,” he added.

West Indies’ 17-man provisional squad: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Jermaine Blackwood (vc), Nkurmah Bonner, Sharamh Brooks, Rahkheem Cornwall, Roston Chase, Joshua de Silva, Jahmar Hamilton, Chemar Holder, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Kieran Powell, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Jomel Warrican.

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