West Indies Announce Extensive Changes for Australia Tests

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has made sweeping changes to its Test squad ahead of the two-match Test series against Australia. The 15-man squad features seven uncapped players, as both Jason Holder and Kyle Mayers have made themselves unavailable for selection.

Several players from the previous squad that played against India earlier this year, including Jermaine Blackwood, Raymon Reifer, Rahkeem Cornwall, Shannon Gabriel, and Jomel Warrican, have been left out. Jayden Seales was also unavailable due to a shoulder injury.

Uncapped all-rounder Kevin Sinclair, who was part of the squad for the India series but did not get a chance to play, has been retained. The other uncapped players in the squad include batsman Zachary McCaskie, wicket-keeper Tevin Imlach, all-rounders Justin Greaves and Kavem Hodge, and fast bowlers Akeem Jordan and Shamar Joseph. Gudakesh Motie, who last played a Test match against South Africa in March, has been recalled. CWI stated that Holder and Mayers will be seeking T20 deals in January.

Desmond Haynes, CWI Lead Selector, acknowledged that the squad had been affected by the unavailability of key players but expressed confidence in the talent identified during the strong red-ball program conducted over the past year. Haynes emphasized that the selected players had proven their abilities and deserved the opportunity to showcase their skills in Test cricket. He acknowledged the challenge of playing against Australia in their home conditions but expressed faith in the team.

In addition, fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has been appointed as the vice-captain of the West Indies Test team. Ahead of the first Test in Adelaide on January 17, West Indies will play a four-day warm-up match. The second Test, a pink-ball fixture, is scheduled to begin on January 25 at the Gabba.

Squad: Kraigg Brathwaite (C), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Alick Athanaze, Kirk McKenzie, Joshua da Silva, Alzarri Joseph (VC), Kemar Roach, Kevin Sinclair, Kavem Hodge, Justin Greaves, Akeem Jordan, Gudakesh Motie, Tevin Imlach, Shamar Joseph, Zachary McCaskie