West Indies have included two uncapped players in the squad for the first Test against India. Those batsmen are Kirk McKenzie and Alyque Athanaz. Desmond Haynes, the chief selector of West Indies cricket, is very impressed with both these budding cricketers and wants to give them a chance in the upcoming series against India. Not to forget, Rahkeem Cornwall, the world’s heaviest cricketer, is also making a comeback to the Test side. Cornwall last played a Test for the West Indies in November 2021 against Sri Lanka in Galle. Left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican has also returned to the team after a brief break.
“We were very impressed with the batting approach of McKenzie and Athanaz on the recent ‘A’ team tour of Bangladesh. These are two young players who got good scores and played with great maturity, and we believe they deserve an opportunity,” he said. Chief Selector, The Rt Hon Dr Desmond Haynes.
“We are without Moti, who is doing his rehabilitation, and that has created an opportunity for Warrican and Cornwall in the spin bowling department. They both have played at Test match level before and are capable of doing the job.
Haynes said: “We have had Jaden Seales here in camp and he is making good progress rehabbing from surgery. However, we felt he was not yet ready to return and we did not want to risk him at this stage. Kyle Mayers was also considered but he has a few flaws and the precaution is that he should not be subjected to the rigors of the five-day game at this stage.
“Looking into the series we know it will be challenging as we start a new cycle of the ICC Test Match Championship. We want to build and improve and try to move up the ladder.
The West Indies team will leave for Dominica, where the first Test is to be played. They will have training sessions on Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning to prepare for the match.
full team Squad: Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Jermaine Blackwood (vice-captain), Alick Athanazey, Tagenarin Chanderpaul, Rahkeem Cornwall, Joshua Da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Kirk McKenzie, Ramon Reifer, Kemar Roach, Jomel Warrican
