Cricket West Indies is making significant changes to its Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against Australia, with seven uncapped players joining the 15-man team. Notably, Jason Holder and Kyle Mayers have chosen not to participate.

Players such as Jermaine Blackwood, Raymon Reifer, Rahkeem Cornwall, Shannon Gabriel, and Jomel Warrican, who featured in the squad against India earlier this year, have been excluded. Jayden Seales is currently sidelined due to a shoulder injury.

Among the new faces are uncapped players Kevin Sinclair, who is retained from the India series, along with Zachary McCaskie, Tevin Imlach, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Akeem Jordan, and Shamar Joseph. Gudakesh Motie, absent since his last Test against South Africa in March, makes a return. Jason Holder and Kyle Mayers are opting for T20 deals in January.

Desmond Haynes, CWI Lead Selector, acknowledged the unavailability of key players but expressed confidence in the team's red-ball program. He stated, "The selected players have passed each test given to them and must now be given the opportunity to showcase their skills in the test arena. Australia away is always a challenge, but we are confident in our team."

The role of vice-captain has been assigned to the fast bowler Alzarri Joseph.West Indies will participate in a four-day warm-up fixture before the first Test in Adelaide on January 17. The second Test at the Gabba on January 25 will be a pink-ball encounter.

The squad comprises Kriagg Brathwaite (C), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Alick Athanaze, Kirk McKenzie, Joshua da Silva, Alzarri Joseph (VC), Kemar Roach, Kevin Sinclair, Kavem Hodge, Justin Greaves, Akeem Jordan, Gudakesh Motie, Tevin Imlach, Shamar Joseph, and Zachary McCaskie.

Picture Credit - Business Standard