West Indies announces Test squad for India tour; star player excluded

The Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced the West Indies Test squad for the upcoming India tour, which is scheduled to start on Thursday, October 2, at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. A total of two Tests will be played on the tour in Ahmedabad and New Delhi.

While the former Test captain, Kraigg Brathwaite, has been axed, Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Alick Athanaze have been recalled in the West Indies' 15-member squad. Roston Chase will continue to lead the 15-man squad.

On the other hand, Jomel Warrican will be the vice-captain. Also, the selectors have given a maiden Test call-up to the 33-year-old all-rounder Khary Pierre in the 15-man squad. On that note, let’s take a look at what the head coach, Daren Sammy, said after the squad selection.

"Chanderpaul and Athanaze have been included to bolster the top-order batting while Pierre has been included as the second specialist spinner in the squad after strong performances in the West Indies Championship, where he topped with 41 wickets at an average of 13.56," Cricket West Indies said on their website.

"The national selectors have opted to rest Gudakesh Motie for this red-ball series, given the demands of the upcoming limited-overs schedule, the highlight being the ICC T20 World Cup in February and March next year," it added.

“The return of Tagenarine Chanderpaul is to help transform our fortunes at the top of the order given the recent struggles, with Alick Athanaze being added for his strengths and qualities against spin bowling. Khary is included for the first time as our second spinner in what we expect to be helpful conditions,” Head coach Daren Sammy said.

West Indies Test squad vs India: Roston Chase (c), Jomel Warrican (vc), Kevlon Anderson, Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope (wk), Tevin Imlach, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Anderson Phillip, Khary Pierre, Jayden Seales.

Team Management: Head Coach: Daren Sammy, Assistant Coach (Batting): Floyd Reifer, Assistant Coach (Bowling): Ravi Rampaul, Assistant Coach (Fielding): Rayon Griffith.

India vs West Indies, Test series schedule:

1st Test - October 2-6, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

2nd Test - October 10-14, Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi

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