West Indies have announced a 16-man squad for their upcoming Test series against Australia.
White-ball stars Hope and King called up for Tests v Australia
Current ODI and T20I captain Shai Hope has earned a recall to the Test side having last played in the format four years ago in 2021. Hope made his Test debut 10 years back in 2015, but never quite managed to make the format his own despite his famous twin hundreds at The Oval in 2017. From 38 Tests, he averages just over 25. However, he has turned into a consistent run-machine for the West Indies in ODIs, earning him a red ball recall after four years. "The return of Shai Hope is welcomed given his consistency in white ball cricket," coach Darren Sammy said about his selection.
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West Indies have called up another prolific white-ball batter for the Australia Tests - ODI vice-captain and opener Brandon King. This is King's first-ever call up to the Test side. King has a first-class average of 34.53 from 42 games. In the 2024-25 season of the West Indies Championship, he averaged 30.25 from four matches. King has struggled in the 50-over format recently, averaging 18.83 from six ODIs this year, which makes his selection slightly surprising. "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,” is how Sammy explained his selection.
Uncapped Kevlon Anderson and Johan Layne selected
The 24-year-old Guyanese batter Kevlon Anderson has been rewarded for his domestic exploits with a maiden Test call-up. He averages 46.53 from 22 first-class matches and was the third-highest run-getter with 573 runs at 71.62 in the last West Indies Championship season. Layne, a 21-year-old right-arm quick, picked up 27 wickets at 15.88 in the 2024-25 season of the West Indies Championship.
Opener John Campbell has also returned to the side having last played a Test in 2022.
This series will mark Roston Chase's first as West Indies' Test captain. The first of the three matches will be played in Barbados between June 25-29, followed by the second and third Tests at Grenada between July 3-7 and Jamaica between July 12-16.
West Indies squad for Australia Tests
Batters
Kevlon Anderson, Kraigg Brathwaite, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Brandon King, Mikyle Louis
Wicketkeepers
Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach
All-rounders
Roston Chase (c), Justin Greaves, Johann Layne
Spinner
Jomel Warrican (vc)
Seamers
Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Anderson Phillip, Jayden Seales
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