White-ball star makes shock return to West Indies Test squad
A recall at the Test level for Shai Hope as veteran pacer Kemar Roach misses out on the 16-player group to face Australia.
White-ball star Shai Hope has been included in the West Indies squad for their upcoming three-match Test series at home against Australia.
The series will be the first hitout for both teams in the new ICC World Test Championship cycle (2025-27) and the Caribbean side have included a host of big names in their 16-player group.
Hope is in line for his first Test appearance since December 2021, batter John Campbell is also included, while Brandon King and Kevlon Anderson have received maiden call-ups for the series that commences in Barbados on 25 June.
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There is no room for veteran pacer Kemar Roach, with young all-rounder Johann Layne instead getting included following some impressive performances for West Indies A.
West Indies coach Daren Sammy is looking forward to the series and is hoping his side can start the new World Test Championship cycle in good style.
“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," Sammy said.
"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.
West Indies squad: Roston Chase (c), Jomel Warrican (vc), 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, Jayden Seales
Test schedule
First Test: 25-29 June, Barbados
Second Test: 3-7 July, Grenada
Third Test: 12-16 July, Jamaica