West Indies Vs South Africa 2021: Jayden Seales Earns Maiden Test Call-Up; Kieron Powell And Shai Hope Make A Return To The Test Squad

West Indies have recalled the discarded duo of Shai Hope and Kieron Powell while uncapped Jayden Seales has earned a maiden call-up to the Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against South Africa.

Seales, who impressed one and all during the 2020 U-19 World Cup, has played a total of 10 professional domestic matches which includes a solitary First-Class match.

“Jayden Seales is young, very enthusiastic and has a big heart. We think he is capable of adding potency to the bowling attack,” said lead selector Roger Harper.

Meanwhile, Kieron Powell, who last played a Test match in 2018 against Bangladesh, has earned a recall.

“Kieran Powell we know is a very capable batsman who we expect to add quality and depth to the batting department,” added Harper.

ODI stalwart Shai Hope also returns to the Test set-up. Hope, who is averaging 26.27 in the longest format, was dropped after the England series last year.

“Shai Hope has performed very well in the red ball matches he has played, following on the back of his highly successful one-day international series against Sri Lanka, so he has forced his way into the squad by performance,” he added.

The #MenInMaroon were looking sharp in the nets today! #WIvSA ??

Check out some shots from the session below ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/AMz4YpKzpS

— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) June 8, 2021

Meanwhile, veteran middle-order batter, Darren Bravo, has been dropped while Shannon Gabriel misses out due to injury.

The first Test between West Indies and South Africa will Kickstart on July 10 in St. Lucia. The second Test will also take place at the same venue from July 18.

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West Indies squad for the 1st Test vs South Africa:

Kraigg Brathwaite (C), Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner, Roston Chase, Rahkeem Cornwall, Joshua Da Silva, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Kieran Powell, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seale