West Indies have announced a 13-member squad for the first Test against India, giving call-ups to the uncapped duo of Alick Athanaze and Kirk McKenzie.
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Two other players – Jomel Warrican and Rahkeem Cornwall – both of whom last featured for West Indies during Sri Lanka’s tour to the Caribbean in 2021, have earned a recall.
West Indies v India: Full India Test squad for the series.
WI vs IND: Two uncapped players included
According to Desmond Haynes, the lead selector, McKenzie and Athanaze have been selected based on their performances in the recent A series against Bangladesh. Both of them hit two fifties each in the three-match series.
“We were very impressed with the approach to batsmanship of McKenzie and Athanaze on the recent ‘A’ Team tour of Bangladesh,” Haynes said. “These are two young players who got good scores and played with great maturity, and we believe they deserve an opportunity”.
While McKenzie is yet to play any international cricket, Athanaze debuted in a T20I against UAE, smashing the record for the fastest half-century on debut with a 26-ball fifty.
WI vs IND: Injury updates
A few players remain unavailable to injury: Jayden Seales, the right-arm quick, was called up for the preparatory camp, but hasn’t been selected as he is yet to fully recover from his knee injury.
Gudakesh Motie also continues his rehabilitation, while Kyle Mayers has a few niggles, making them unavailable for selection.
West Indies v India 2023: WI squad for the first Test
Batters
Kraigg Brathwaite (Captain), Jermaine Blackwood (Vice Captain), Tagenarine Chanderpaul
Wicketkeepers
Joshua Da Silva
All-rounders
Rahkeem Cornwall, Jason Holder, Alick Athanaze, Raymon Reifer
Bowlers
Shannon Gabriel, Alzarri Joseph, Kirk McKenzie, Kemar Roach, Jomel Warrican
Traveling Reserves
Tevin Imlach, Akeem Jordan
