The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has announced a 13-man squad for the first Test against India, starting July 12 in Dominica. The squad includes two uncapped players, left-handed batter Kirk McKenzie and all-rounder Alick Athanaze.
Experienced batsman Kraigg Brathwaite will captain the side, while Jermaine Blackwood will be his vice-captain. Other batsmen in the squad include Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Raymon Reifer, and Joshua Da Silva.
The bowling attack will be led by Kemar Roach, who will be joined by Shannon Gabriel, Alzarri Joseph, Rahkeem Cornwall, and Jomel Warrican.
Lead spinner Gudakesh Motie has been ruled out of the Test due to injury, which has opened the door for Warrican's return to the squad.
The West Indies are currently ranked ninth in the ICC World Test Championship, while India are ranked second. The two teams will also play two additional Tests in the series, which will be played in Antigua and St Lucia.
Here is the full West Indies squad for the first Test against India:
- Kraigg Brathwaite (captain)
- Jermaine Blackwood (vice-captain)
- Alick Athanaze
- Tagenarine Chanderpaul
- Kirk McKenzie
- Rahkeem Cornwall
- Joshua Da Silva (wicketkeeper)
- Shannon Gabriel
- Jason Holder
- Alzarri Joseph
- Raymon Reifer
- Kemar Roach
- Jomel Warrican
The match will be played at the Windsor Park Stadium in Dominica, which is a venue that is known for its spin-friendly conditions. The West Indies will be hoping that their spinners can take advantage of the conditions and help them to win the match.
