Shai Hope Named in West Indies Test Squad to Face Australia

Shai Hope has been named in the West Indies Test squad to face Australia later this month

Return to Test Cricket

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – West Indies white-ball captain Shai Hope and ODI batting sensation Keacy Carty are set to make their return to Test cricket in the highly anticipated series against Australia at home later this month.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has named both Hope and Carty in a 16-member squad to face the Aussies in a three-match series starting June 25 at Kensington Oval in Barbados.

Player Profiles

Hope, who recently turned down the opportunity to be Test captain, last played a Test match for West Indies in 2021 against Sri Lanka at Galle.

He has played 38 Tests and scored 1726 runs at an average of 25.01, with two centuries and five fifties.

Meanwhile, the 28-year-old Carty has played five Test matches since making his debut against South Africa last year.

Brandon King, a member of the white-ball squad, is set to make his Test debut, while fellow opener John Campbell also makes his return to the team.

New Additions

All-rounder Kevlon Anderson has been given a maiden call-up to the senior team following a string of impressive performances in the Regional 4-Day competition, along with pacer Johann Layne, a 21-year-old product of the West Indies Academy, who claimed 63 first-class wickets in 17 matches.

Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph, and Shamar Joseph headline the fast-bowling attack, which will be without the services of veteran pacer Kemar Roach, who has not been included in the squad.

Coach’s Comments

West Indies head coach Daren Sammy said he was excited about the team’s exciting new additions.

“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 the ladder and challenge the best in the world,” Sammy said.

“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,” he further added.

Message to Fans

Sammy also asked for patience from the fans, assuring them that they could look forward to an exciting brand of cricket.

“I am genuinely looking forward to this series because we want to start 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,” Sammy said.

Squad and Management

Squad for Australia Test series

WEST INDIES: Roston Chase (captain), Jomel Warrican (vice-captain), 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.

MANAGEMENT: Daren Sammy (head coach), Rawle Lewis (manager), Floyd Reifer (assistant coach), Ravi Rampaul (assistant coach), Rayon Griffith (assistant coach), Dr. Denis Byam (physiotherapist), Ronald Rogers (strength and conditioning coach), Darc Browne (massage therapist), Avenesh Seetaram (team analyst), Jerome Foster (content and media officer).

Match Schedule

FULL MATCH SCHEDULE
1st Test: June 25-29 at Kensington Oval, Barbados
2nd Test: July 3-7 at National Stadium, Grenada
3rd Test: July 12-16 at Sabina Park, Jamaica DAY/NIGHT

Conclusion

The West Indies team is gearing up to face Australia in a highly anticipated Test series, with a mix of experienced players and new additions. With Shai Hope and Keacy Carty returning to the team, and young prospects like Kevlon Anderson and Johann Layne making their debut, the team is looking to make a strong statement. The series promises to be exciting, with the West Indies team determined to make their home turf a fortress and challenge the best teams in the world.