Guyanese batter Kevlon Anderson and Jamaican stroke-maker Brandon King have earned their first Test call-ups, while John Campbell returns to bolster the top order, as Cricket West Indies (CWI) named its 16-man squad for the upcoming home Test series against Australia.
The series, which starts on June 25 at Kensington Oval in Barbados, will see the two teams battle for the Sir Frank Worrell Trophy and marks the critical start of the 2025-2027 ICC Test Championship cycle. Several changes have been made to the West Indies squad following their last Test series against Pakistan.
CWI’s Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe said the squad was selected with a bold, execution-driven identity in mind, especially as the team looks to climb the global Test rankings.
“The start of the Test Championship Cycle is critical to building positive momentum as we strive to work our way up the rankings. Beginning with a strong showing against a team like Australia would be ideal in our quest to bring West Indies back to the helm of Test Cricket,” said Bascombe.
“It was imperative that we sought to put a squad together that was well equipped, in both the batting and bowling departments, to manage the ebbs and flows of this format of the game, while possessing the ability to apply pressure in key phases through disciplined, purposeful play,” he added.
Among the changes are Anderson, who earns his call-up after back-to-back prolific domestic seasons, which included three centuries, and West Indies ODI vice-captain, King, who has enjoyed strong white-ball form. Campbell returns to strengthen the opening options after a strong domestic campaign, while Keacy Carty is recalled to add depth to the batting lineup, along with Shai Hope, who returns to the Test setup, bringing stability and experience.
Head Coach Daren Sammy praised the selectors for identifying players aligned with the team’s new vision.
“We analyzed what the top teams in the world are doing and what is needed for us to bridge the gap. We have identified a direction, along with the group of players and resources to give us the best advantage as we seek to take the team up the ladder and challenge the best in the world,” Sammy said.
“I’m excited about the inclusion of young prospect Kevlon Anderson, who comes in after solid seasons in our domestic competitions to help provide stability in the top order, while the return of Shai Hope is welcomed given his consistency in white ball cricket. Brandon King’s inclusion fits a role we have identified that needs special focus to take our team to those closer to the top of the rankings,” he noted.
Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph, and Shamar Joseph headline the fast-bowling attack. Additionally, Johann Layne, 21, a product of the West Indies Academy, who claimed 63 first-class wickets in 17 matches, along with Anderson Phillip, who recently captured a five-wicket haul for West Indies A against South Africa A, have been called up to provide reinforcement. Spin responsibilities will be handled by Captain Roston Chase and vice-captain Jomel Warrican.
Despite being under consideration, veteran pacer Kemar Roach has not been included and has been duly informed.
Sammy, while asking for patience from the fans towards the players, said they can look forward to an exciting style over the series.
“I am truly looking forward to this series because we want to start off strongly and make our home turf a fortress during this cycle while having our passionate and proud fans behind us. The matches will be challenging, but I believe in this core of players, and they are eager to wear the maroon and make our fans happy,” Sammy stated.
West Indies Test Squad: Roston Chase (Captain), Jomel Warrican (Vice Captain), Kevlon Anderson, Kraigg Brathwaite, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Johann Layne, Mikyle Louis, Anderson Phillip, and Jayden Seales.
