Bravo and Holder are only Test inclusions, as CWI retains core from WI’s Bangladesh triumph

All-rounder Jason Holder and batsman Darren Bravo were the only changes to the West Indies Test squad, as the Cricket West Indies (CWI) selection panel kept faith with the core of its squad who participated in the 2-0 Test series win away to Bangladesh last month.

West Indies are captained by Kraigg Brathwaite, who has officially replaced Holder in that role, with Jermaine Blackwood as vice-captain. 

Photo: West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite (left) and coach Phil Simmons show off the spoils of their 2021 Test series win away to Bangladesh.
(via CWI Media)

The first Test will be played at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua from 21-25 March, while a CWI President’s XI face Sri Lanka in a two-day warm-up match at the Coolidge Cricket Ground on 17-18 March.

Holder and Bravo were among 12 withdrawals from the Bangladesh series due to Covid-19 concerns. The CWI’s Covid-19 policy allows players to opt out of a tour due to health concerns without prejudice to future selection.

However, CWI lead selector Roger Harper said the Test squad to face Sri Lanka was influenced by ‘very encouraging’ showings in Bangladesh.

“It is a fantastic opportunity to build on the good work that was done in Bangladesh,” said Harper. “It is very important to continue the process of working hard, playing with great passion, playing with determination and a great desire to succeed. Doing that consistently will bring us the right results.”

Photo: West Indies Test captain Jason Holder.
(via Cricket World)

Harper suggested too that the Bangladesh tour presented selectors with a widened player pool, which should benefit the regional team.

“A number of players seized the opportunity that the tour of Bangladesh presented and booked a place for themselves in the Test team for this series,” he said. “This now means that there is keen competition for places, which should drive better individual performances and that of the team. 

“I also think that these players are looking forward to displaying their skills on home soil.”

West Indies squad for first Test: Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Jermaine Blackwood (vice-captain), Nkrumah Bonner, Darren Bravo, John Campbell, Rahkeem Cornwall, Joshua Da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Kemar Roach, and Jomel Warrican.

CWI President’s XI Squad: Roston Chase (captain), Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, Shannon Gabriel, Jahmar Hamilton, Keon Harding, Kavem Hodge, Shai Hope, Kyle Mayers, Shayne Moseley, Veerasammy Permaul, Anderson Phillip, and Kemar Roach.

Photo: West Indies batsman Kyle Mayers plays an attacking shot against Bangladesh in the First Test.

Following the conclusion of the CWI President’s XI match, Chase, Hamilton and Holder (C) will remain as reserves for the first Test, while Seales will serve as a developmental player.

More from Wired868
Best: Lost in the rubble? Why West Indies Test cricket can’t avoid relegation to the second tier

If David Rudder had had his way, there would be no scary future awaiting West Indies Test cricket. “Pretty soon Read more

King, Jangoo among WI ODI inclusions; Sammy wants to “continue momentum” against Pakistan

Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph remains on “extended rest to continue workload management” as he was not named in the West Read more

Vaneisa: How number 27 blew away West Indies cricket; the answer, my friend…

There didn’t seem to be much point in writing about the ignominious end to the Test series between West Indies Read more

Dear Editor: West Indies Cricket is dead—even with Shai in squad, this is Hopeless

“[…] Being humiliated is nothing new to West Indians born mid-1980s and later. But this 27 all out feels different—this Read more

Dear Editor: You could pick who you want as coach and captain—WI problems run deep

“[…] You could pick who you want at this point in time. You could pick whatever coach, he could come Read more

Dear Editor: Can Shallow and Sammy take WI cricket forward? Then why are they still there?!

“[…] Is this just another day in the office? Do you guys not have standards—pride in yourselves, and pride in Read more

Check Also

Best: Lost in the rubble? Why West Indies Test cricket can’t avoid relegation to the second tier

If David Rudder had had his way, there would be no scary future awaiting West …

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.