West Indies Test squad for Australia series announced, Ex-Delhi Capitals star recalled, Kemar Roach axed

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has officially announced a 16-member squad of the West Indies National Cricket Team for the upcoming Test series against Australia National Cricket Team.

West Indies National Cricket Team will be hosting Australia National Cricket Team for a three-match Test series in June and July 2025 and it will be part of the 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship Cycle.

Shai Hope and John Campbell return as West Indies make big changes

The CWI selection committee and the team management have decided to make some big changes to the Test squad as they eye a better performance in the new cycle of the ICC World Test Championship.

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White-ball captain Shai Hope has made his comeback to the Test squad and has effectively replaced wicketkeeper-batter Joshua Da Silva, who had delivered a good performance in domestic cricket recently, hitting three tons in eight games.

Along with Hope, John Campbell and Keacy Carty have earned a recall with the latter being shown trust because of his recent form in ODI cricket.

Kevlon Anderson has got a maiden call-up following his brilliant performances in domestic cricket, while ODI vice-captain Brandon King has earned a first-time inclusion. On the bowling side of things, Johann Layne and Anderson Phillip have been called up.

Speaking of the notable exclusions, the CWI selectors have moved from the veteran pacer Kemar Roach despite keeping him under consideration for the series. Also, the talented left-handed middle-order batter Alick Athanaze has been left out.

We strive to work our way up the rankings: Miles Bascombe

In an official statement released by Cricket West Indies, the Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, said that they want to start the new WTC cycle on a high with the new squad. He said:

“The start of the Test Championship Cycle is critical to building positive momentum as we strive to work our way up the rankings. Beginning with a strong showing against a team like Australia would be ideal in our quest to bring West Indies back to the helm of Test Cricket”, said Bascombe.

“It was imperative that we sought to put a squad together that was well equipped, in both and the batting and bowling departments, to manage the ebbs and flows of this format of the game, while possessing the ability to apply pressure in key phases, through disciplined, purposeful play.”

Meanwhile, head coach Daren Sammy said that they took learnings from the top teams in the world while picking up the squad and expressed excitement over seeing the players earning recalls and call-ups, performing well for the West Indies. He elaborated:

“We analyzed what the top teams in the world are doing and what is needed for us to bridge the gap. We have identified a direction, along with the group of players and resources to give us the best advantage as we seek to take the team up ladder and challenge the best in the world.”

“I’m excited about the inclusion of young prospect Kevlon Anderson, who comes in after solid seasons in our domestic competitions to help provide stability in the top order, while the return of Shai Hope is welcomed given his consistency in white ball cricket. Brandon King’s inclusion fits a role we have identified that needs special focus to take our team to those closer to the top of the rankings.”

“I am truly looking forward to this series because we want to start off strongly and make our home turf a fortress during this cycle, while having our passionate and proud fans behind us. The matches will be challenging but I believe in this core of players, and they are eager to wear the maroon and make our fans happy.”

The first Test between West Indies and Australia for the Sir Frank Worrell Trophy will be played from June 25 at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. The second Test will be hosted by the National Stadium in Grenada from July 3, before the third and day-night Test at the Sabina Park in Jamaica from July 12.

Full West Indies Squad For Australia Tests

Roston Chase (capt), Jomel Warrican, Kevlon Anderson, Kraigg Brathwaite, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Johann Layne, Mikyle Louis, Anderson Phillip, Jayden Seales

Also Read: Nicholas Pooran named captain immediately after shock international retirement