Gabriel, Bravo recalled for Second Test against S/Africa; Harper: ‘We have to improve’

The Trinidad and Tobago pair of fast bowler Shannon Gabriel and left-handed batsman Darren Bravo were included in the 13-man West Indies team for the second and final Betway Test against South Africa in Gros Islet, St Lucia tomorrow.

South Africa won the First Test by an innings and 63 runs last week.

Gabriel replaces Alzarri Joseph while Bravo deputises for Nkrumah Bonner, who was substituted during the First Test and is ‘unavailable for selection due to concussion protocol’. 

“Shannon Gabriel has been declared fully fit and as someone who was the spearhead of the attack before, he has returned to the 13-man squad,” said Cricket West Indies (CWI) lead selector Roger Harper. “With Bravo, we have someone who is an experienced batsman and gives us a quality batting option.”

Harper hopes that West Indies give a better account of themselves in the Second Test, particularly with the bat.

“The team now has to play to the standard we know we’re capable of,” he said. “We didn’t bat anywhere near to our potential in the first Betway Test and we have to improve with the bat in this upcoming match.”

West Indies Test squad: Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Jermaine Blackwood (vice-captain), Darren Bravo, Roston Chase, Rahkeem Cornwall, Joshua Da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Kyle Mayers, Kieran Powell, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales.