IND vs WI: Kyle Mayers, Jayden Seales Miss Out as West Indies Announces Squad for First Test Against India

The Cricket West Indies (CWI), on Saturday, July 9 announced the squad for the first Test of the upcoming two-match Test Series against India, set to be played at Windsor Park in Dominica from 12 to 16 July.

In a major development, Kirk McKenzie and Alick Athanaze, the left-handed batting duo, have received their maiden Test call-ups. Rahkeem Cornwall, who played his last Test in November 2021, and left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican have been recalled to the team.

Here’s what Desmond Haynes, the chief selector said on the squad selection:

“We were very impressed with the approach to batsmanship of McKenzie and Athanaze 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.”

Notably, the left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie was unavailable for selection as he is currently undergoing rehabilitation from injury. Speaking on his unavailability, Haynes said:

“We are without Motie, who is doing his rehabilitation, and this has created an opportunity for Warrican and Cornwall in the spin bowling department. They have both played at Test match level before and are capable of doing the job.”

Haynes further provided an update on Kyle Mayers, and Jayden Seales:

“We had Jayden Seales here in the camp and he has made good progress during his rehab from surgery. However, we felt he is not yet quite ready to return, and we don’t want to risk him at this stage. Kyle Mayers was also considered but he has some niggles, and the precaution is not to have him in the rigors of a five-day match at this stage.”

The upcoming two-match Test series will be part of the new 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship. The first match kicks off on Wednesday, July 12 while the second Test is scheduled to be played from July 20 at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad.

Following the exhilarating Test series, India will lock horns with the Men in Maroon in a three-match ODI series and a five-match T20I series. Rohit Sharma will lead India in the ODI series, while Hardik Pandya has been entrusted with the leadership for the shortest format of the game.

West Indies Squad for First Test vs India:

Kraigg Brathwaite (Captain), Jermaine Blackwood (Vice Captain), Alick Athanaze, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Rahkeem Cornwall, Joshua Da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Kirk McKenzie, Raymon Reifer, Kemar Roach, Jomel Warrican

Traveling Reserves:

Tevin Imlach, Akeem Jordan