The first Test of the two Test match series between West Indies and Bangladesh gets underway today in Antigua. Here are the full squad lists for the sides, including injury updates.
In the West Indies' XI for the first Test, Justin Greaves made a return to the format off the back of three centuries in the CG United Super50 Cup. The 30-year-old Bajan played the last of his two five-day appearances for the Windies in their famous win over Australia earlier this year at the Gabba and comes in for Jason Holder who is recovering from a shoulder injury. His inclusion shores up an inexperienced batting unit, skipper Kraigg Brathwaite aside, that has yet to fire. Mikyle Louis, Keacy Carty, Alick Athanase have just 16 Tests between them and keeper-batsman Josh Da Silva is set to bat at No.5.
The West Indies pace attack may be missing one of its most experienced heads in Holder. But the return to the squad of Alzarri Joseph who was rested for their Test series defeat against South Africa in August saw a quartet of quicks selected on the first day. The combination of him, Shamar Joseph, Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales promises plenty of pace.
Kavem Hodge will provide the sole spin option at North Sound as Kevin Sinclair misses out on a spot after his return to the squad.
After a sterling 2024 with the bat, all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz takes the captaincy reins for the first time in the absence of Najmul Hossain Shanto who misses the tour with a groin strain. Mushfiqur Rahim’s finger injury rules him out as Bangladesh enter a Test series for the first time in 16 years without any of Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal or him.
With their batting looking perilously light, the touring Tigers have been forced to turn to youth. Shahadat Hossain comes into the side for Shanto with a high score of 31 and just four Test appearances behind him. Jaker Ali scored fifty in his only appearance in the format last month against South Africa and gets the nod over Mahidul Islam Ankon who debuted in the same series.
With Shadman Islam left out, Zakir Hasan and Mahmadul Hasan Joy, will be desperate for runs at the top of the order after slim pickings in their early outings against a red ball. Senior players Mominul Haque and Litton Das will be relied upon for runs
Express quick Nahid Rana sits out as Bangladesh look to manage the 22-year-old’s workload. Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam and Taskin Ahmed are picked instead for interim head coach Phil Simmons’ first away assignment in Tests. Taijul Islam’s left-arm orthodox is preferred to Hasan Murad’s and will complement his skipper’s off-breaks.
WI v BAN Tests: Full squad lists for the two-match series
West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Joshua Da Silva (vc), Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Tevin Imlach, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Mikyle Louis, Anderson Phillip, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Kevin Sinclair, Jomel Warrican.
Bangladesh: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque Showrab, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Litton Kumer Das (WK), Jaker Ali Anik, Taijul Islam, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, Hasan Murad
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