West Indies name Test Squad for Richards Botham series in England, Kraigg Brathwaite to lead

West-Indies. (Photo Source: Twitter/ICC)

On Tuesday, June 4, the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Senior Men’s Selection Panel announced a 15-man squad for next month’s three-match Test tour of England. This will be the Caribbean side’s first Test assignment since their epic win at the Gabba against Australia earlier this year.

The first Test will be played at the Lord’s, starting July 10. This will also be the legendary James Anderson’s last international appearance. The second match begins on July 18 at Trent Bridge, while the third commences on July 26 at Edgbaston.

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After squaring the series against World Test Champions Australia, Kraigg Brathwaite will look to guide his team to more success in the European nation. Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph will be serving as his deputy once again. Meanwhile, Jaydon Seales, who missed the Australia tour due to injury, has made a comeback. Also, the experienced Jason Holder, who made himself unavailable for the trip Down Under, has been recalled.

The team is scheduled to arrive in the UK on June 23 for a training camp at Tonbridge School, ahead of a 4-day warm-up match at Beckingham commencing on 4 July.

“The squad has been shaped with both experience and emerging talent, ensuring a strong balance as we face the challenge of playing in English conditions. Over the past year, our red-ball program has continued to develop. Following our victory in the last Test in Australia in January, it is evident that we are seeing the fruits of that investment. Each player selected has earned their place through consistent performances and hard work. We are confident that this blend of seasoned players and emerging faces will perform admirably against England,” CWI Lead Selector Desmond Haynes stated in a board release.

Youngsters make big leaps in Windies squad

23-year-old opening batter Mikyle Louis has earned a maiden international call-up. Louis, a former West Indies U-19 International, scored 682 runs in his debut season with the Leeward Island Hurricanes at an average of 48.71.

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Meanwhile, 19-year-old pacer, Isai Thorne, will travel with the squad as a development player. He has been rewarded for his impressive performances in his debut first-class season, where he accounted for 31 wickets at an average of 16.29 in his first eight matches.

The West Indies are the current holders of the Richards Botham Trophy after their 1-0 home Test series win against England in March 2022.

West Indies 15-member Test squad: Kraigg Brathwaite (Captain), Alick Athanaze, Joshua Da Silva, Jason Holder, Kavem Hodge, Tevin Imlach, Alzarri Joseph (Vice-Captain), Shamar Joseph, Mikyle Louis, Zachary McCaskie, Kirk McKenzie, Gudakesh Motie, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Kevin Sinclair