West Indies have named their 15-member squad for the upcoming tour of Pakistan next month. The team has made some changes to the squad that played Bangladesh recently. Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph missed the chance while wicketkeeper-batsman Amir Janju got his first look at Test cricket.
Alzarri Joseph is not available for the series due to his clash with the ILT20 in the UAE where he will be participating in the MI UAE. The Cricket West Indies (CWI) described his unavailability as “other engagements” in their press release.
West Indies announce Test squad for tour of Pakistan
The team will be captained by Kraigg Brathwaite while wicketkeeper-batsman Joshua da Silva has been appointed as vice-captain of the team. Brathwaite and Mikele Louis are the openers while Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Kavem Hodge and allrounder Justin Greaves are the middle-order batsmen.
Kemar Roach is the most experienced player in the team and is also the spearhead of the fast bowling attack. He will have guys like Jayden Sills and Anderson Phillip to accompany him.
Since the series is based in Pakistan, spinners will have a big role to play. As a result, West Indies mounted a heavy attack and brought back left-arm spinner Gudakesh Moti to their side. Jumel Warrican and Kevin Sinclair are the other two players in the team.
Moti missed the recent Test series against Bangladesh due to his commitments with the inaugural World Premier League in Guyana. After the selection, West Indies red-ball coach Andre Kohli spoke about the bowling-driven team.
“(Gudakesh) Moti rejoins the team to bolster the spin attack, while Django’s selection comes on the back of his consistency across formats in provincial cricket, as well as the high level of quality he has shown against the spin bowling,” Andre Kohli said.
“For the Test series against Pakistan in January 2025, the focus is on building on what we have done well, and turning the lessons learned from 2024 into tangible results,” he added.
Amir Janju gets his first test call-up
Meanwhile, Amir Janju has earned his maiden Test call-up after consistent performances in domestic cricket during the 2023-24 season. Gangu scored 500 runs in five first-class matches at an average of 63.50. He made two hundred and fifty once during the season and was the highest run-scorer for Trinidad and Tobago.
Django is also the second wicket-keeper in the team after Joshua da Silva. However, his batting abilities mean he could be in line to make his Test debut during the series as a pure batsman.
Recently, Janju smashed a sensational hundred in his first ODI against Bangladesh. He hit an unbeaten 104 off just 83 balls which included 6 fours and 4 sixes as West Indies chased down a record target of 322 runs.
The two-match Test series between Pakistan and West Indies will begin on January 16 in Karachi. The second Test will be conducted from January 24 in Multan.
West Indies Test squad for the tour of Pakistan
Craig Brathwaite (C), Joshua Da Silva (WK), Alec Athanasi, Casey Carty, Justin Greaves, Kavim Hodge, Tevin Imlach, Amir Django (WK), Mikel Lewis, Gudakesh Moti, Anderson Phillip, Kemar Roach, Kevin Sinclair, Jayden . Sales, Gumel Warikan
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