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West Indies Announce Revamped Test Squad for Australia Series: Hope Returns, Roach Omitted
A Fresh Start to the 2025-27 World Test Championship Cycle
The West Indies Cricket Board has announced a revamped squad for the upcoming home Test series against Australia, marking the beginning of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle. In a move that combines youth with experience, the selectors have brought back limited-overs captain Shai Hope, named Roston Chase as the new Test skipper, and included multiple first-time picks to rejuvenate the Test setup.
This strategic squad overhaul also means the end of the road — for now — for veteran pacer Kemar Roach, who has not been selected despite his extensive experience. Meanwhile, Brandon King, known for his exploits in ODIs, earns his maiden Test call-up.
Roston Chase to Lead Rejuvenated Side
After a long absence from Test cricket — last appearing in March 2023 — all-rounder Roston Chase has been handed the captaincy reins. He replaces Kraigg Brathwaite, who remains in the squad, and is expected to guide a younger unit through the early stages of the new WTC cycle.
Joining Chase in leadership is left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican, who will serve as vice-captain. The selectors emphasized their goal of creating a balanced, dynamic squad with both short-term competitiveness and long-term potential.
Shai Hope’s Return: Experience in Focus
A Consistent Performer in White Ball Formats
Shai Hope, whose consistency in ODIs has been widely acknowledged, returns to the red-ball setup to provide stability in the top order. His inclusion signals a renewed focus on reliable and technically sound batting — an area that has let West Indies down in recent years.
Head coach Daren Sammy stated:
“The return of Shai Hope is welcomed given his consistency in white-ball cricket. He offers the kind of control and discipline that can anchor an innings in tough conditions.”
Brandon King and Kevlon Anderson Among Exciting New Faces
Another notable inclusion is Brandon King, vice-captain of the ODI side, who makes his Test debut in this series. Known for his aggressive strokeplay and solid technique, King is expected to bring a new dimension to the West Indies’ top order.
Also earning his maiden call-up is Kevlon Anderson, a 24-year-old batting prospect who impressed during the West Indies Championship 2024–25. He amassed 573 runs in 11 innings, including three centuries, to finish as the tournament’s third-highest run-getter.
Sammy praised Anderson’s selection:
“Kevlon Anderson’s inclusion is a step in the right direction to provide stability at the top. His domestic form makes him an asset for the future.”
📍 Related article: West Indies A vs South Africa A – Anderson Phillip’s Five-Wicket Haul Impresses Selectors
New Blood in the Bowling Department
Layne and Phillip Add Firepower to the Pace Attack
The bowling attack has also been reworked. 21-year-old Johann Layne has been rewarded for his domestic consistency, with 63 wickets in 17 first-class games. He joins an attack that includes Anderson Phillip, who recently claimed a five-wicket haul for West Indies A.
These new additions are seen as part of a broader rebuild aimed at grooming bowlers who can sustain long spells and generate pressure over five days.
Coach Daren Sammy said:
“The Test format requires patience and persistence. We’ve picked bowlers who understand those virtues and are ready to compete at the highest level.”
Notable Omissions: Kemar Roach, Joshua Da Silva, and Others Left Out
Several key players from the previous Test tour of Pakistan have not been picked. The most prominent omission is Kemar Roach, a long-standing spearhead of the West Indian pace attack. Also missing are Joshua Da Silva, Alick Athanaze, Kavem Hodge, Gudakesh Motie, and Kevin Sinclair, all of whom were expected to be in the mix for this critical series.
Looking Ahead: Australia Series Kicks Off on June 25
The first Test of the three-match series begins on June 25 in Barbados. This series will be critical for West Indies, not only as the opening chapter in the new WTC cycle but also as a litmus test of how effectively the team has rebuilt itself.
Daren Sammy summed up the importance of the series:
“A strong start to the Test Championship cycle is vital. Playing a world-class team like Australia at home offers the perfect platform to showcase our growth and intent.”
📎 For more details on the World Test Championship format, refer to the official ICC WTC page.
