West Indies name 13-man squad for first Test against England
The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) on Tuesday named a 13-man squad for the opening Test of three-match series against England. They have called up Anderson Phillip while recalling John Campbell for the series opener following their impressive showing in the West Indies 4-Day Championship 2021-22. Meanwhile, the likes of Shai Hope, Jeremy Solozano, Roston Chase, Rahkeem Cornwall, and Jomel Warrican have been dropped.
Why does this story matter?
Hope, Solozano, Chase, Cornwall, and Warrican were part of the WI squad, which was beaten 0-2 by Sri Lanka in November and December. It seems the Windies selectors are hoping for a better showing by naming a revamped squad. Meanwhile, Shannon Gabriel was omitted from the tournament opener with a hamstring injury and could be recalled during the later stage of the series.
West Indies squad for the first Test
West Indies squad for the opening Test versus England: Kraigg Brathwaite (Captain), Jermaine Blackwood (Vice-captain), Nkrumah Bonner, Shamarh Brooks, John Campbell, Joshua Da Silva, Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Veerasammy Permaul, Anderson Phillip, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales
WI lead selector Desmond Haynes on Phillip and Campbell's selection
When asked about the inclusion of Phillip and Campbell, Haynes said that he wants players to know that their performances at the domestic level will be recognized with a national call-up. "People question how strong our domestic competition is but the main fact is that if the guys are playing in it and doing well, yes, they would be up for selection," he said.
A look at Campbell and Phillip's recent performances
Anderson Phillip, who has earned his maiden Test call-up for West Indies, picked up 12 wickets during the first two rounds of the four-day West Indies Championship while playing for Trinidad & Tobago Red Force. Meanwhile, John Campbell, who represents Jamaica Scorpions, has earned his recall after smashing 213 runs in the said tournament at an impressive average of 53.25.
WI and Eng's position in the WTC 2021-23 standings
WI and England are sitting at the bottom two in the WTC points table. England have the lowest PCT on the table (9.25). England have collected 10 points after recording one win, six losses, and two draws. WI have recorded 12 points with a PCT of 25.00. They have played four games and have managed to win one match while losing three.
West Indies versus England Test schedule
The opening Test is scheduled to take place between March 8 and 12 at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua. The second game will kick off on March 16 at Kensington Oval, Barbados. The third and last game will be played from March 24 to 28 at Grenada National Stadium, Grenada. The three-match red-ball series will not be televised in India.
