Fast-bowlers Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph have been ruled out for the rest of the year with injuries, and will miss West Indies' three-match Test series against New Zealand next month.
West Indies have named a 15-player squad for the series, which will begin in Christchurch on December 1. In the absence of the two Josephs, veteran fast-bowler Kemar Roach has been recalled to the squad. The 37-year-old hasn't played a Test match since January of this year, and wasn't selected for West Indies' Test series against Australia in June, which West Indies' lost 3-0. Roach had reportedly signed a deal with CWI to fill a player-coach role, but also wasn't part of the squad which lost 2-0 in India last month.
However, a statement from CWI revealed Roach had completed a two-week high performance programme ahead of the series in New Zealand, and that he had travelled with the group to Christchurch. His presence will bolster an inexperienced pace attack in the absence of two of their senior players. Of the specialist fast-bowling group, only Roach and Jayden Seales have more than five or more Test caps, with 29-year-old Ojay Shields in line to make his Test debut.
Also recalled to the squad is Kavem Hodge, who was dropped after poor returns in West Indies' series against Pakistan earlier this year. Hodge scored his maiden Test century against England last year, and made a half-century against Bangladesh later in the year before losing his place in the side. Spin bowling all-rounder Khary Pierre has been excluded of those who toured India on the grounds of conditions in New Zealand.
West Indies Test squad v New Zealand
Batters
Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Kavem Hodge, Brandon King
Wicketkeepers
Tevin Imlach, Shai Hope
All-rounders
Roston Chase (c), Justin Greaves
Bowlers
Johann Layne, Anderson Phillip, Jayden Seales, Ojay Shields, Kemar Roach, Jomel Warrican (vc)
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