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West Indies announce 13-man squad for first Test against Pakistan

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Hetmyer, Singh chosen, Powell recalled for first Test against Pakistanis.

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – The Selection Panel of the West Indies Cricket Board announced today a 13-member squad for the historic first Test of the Brighto Paints presents the Q Mobile Cup Series against Pakistan, starting on Friday at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica, which will be hosting its 50th Test.

SQUAD

Jason Holder (Captain)

Devendra Bishoo

Jermaine Blackwood

Kraigg Brathwaite

Roston Chase

Miguel Cummins

Shane Dowrich

Shannon Gabriel

Shimron Hetmyer

Shai Hope

Alzarri Joseph

Kieran Powell

Vishal Singh


Team Management Unit

Stuart Law (Head Coach)

Joel Garner (Team Operations Manager)

Roddy Estwick (Assistant Coach)

Toby Radford (Assistant Coach)

Andre Coley (Assistant Coach)

Rajindra Dhanraj (Spin Bowling Mentor)

C.J. Clark (Physiotherapist)

Ronald Rogers (Strength & Conditioning Coordinator)

Jeffrey Gay (Massage Therapist)

Dexter Augustus (Video Data Analyst)

Philip Spooner (Media Relations Manager)

On the composition of the squad, Courtney Browne, chairman of the selection panel, said:

After winning our previous Test which was against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates, the panel felt that we should stick as close as we possibly can to that squad. We have a young Test squad which was admirably led by Jason Holder during the last series and, though there are some noticeable absentees, we believe that the players will give a good account of themselves especially in their own backyard.

We are happy to be able to give a recall to Kieran Powell for one of the opening slots, although he did not have the best regional first-class season. He showed for the President’s XI that his experience can add value to our team. In addition, we have included two uncapped players, Shimron Hetmyer and Vishal Singh, with a view to exposing players that we believe have earned an opportunity to play for West Indies.

We also recognised the performance of a number of other players whose names came on the table, largely because of noticeable performances in the Digicel Regional 4-Day Tournament. We encourage them hwoever, to continue to work hard and keep selection pressure on the incumbents as the R4Day and our A-Team programme remain the feeding ground for our Test team.

On the selection of Hetmyer:

Shimron has shown a lot of maturity during this season of regional games and also within our A team. It is really satisfying to see someone that only a year ago was leading our Under-19 squad to the ICC Youth World Cup title progress so quickly to be considered for a place in the squad. We want to wish the young man well and hope that he like all the others can grasp the opportunity when it presents itself.

On the selection of Powell:

We are happy that Kieran is once again available as an option for us to open the batting. West Indies cricket has invested heavily in him over the years and with the void of openers within the Caribbean, the panel felt a need to fast track him through our A-Team programme last year with a view in helping him to bridge that gap.

On the selection of Singh:

Vishal has been one of the more consistent batsmen in the Regional 4-Day Tournament over the last few seasons and had a very good A-Team series against Sri Lanka last year. His hundred over the weekend for the WICB President’s XI against the Pakistanis helped to fortify in our minds that he has a place in our squad. He gives us the option of a solid middle-order batsman around whom our more free-scoring players can bat.
 
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Deserved callups for Vishaul Singh and Heymyer. Surprised to see Blackwood there though.

Leon Johnson droppee so either Hope or Powell could be opening.
 
WI have done really well to move on from TTFs. Will start reaping rewards soon. Good players coming through: Hetmyer, Hope, Chase, Alzarri, Lewis, Singh etc. Good to see them blooding youngsters!
 
Excellent squad.

Reluctant to admit it but if this side play to their potential they could, with minimal effort roll-over Pakistan.

Pakistan's squad is full of dead wood and players that don't have the ability to survive at the top level.
 
Add Darren Bravo and they would actually win 2-0.
 
If Pak team was watching this thread and reading comments of some of these so-called fans, ACC, 'Experts' etc.they should just pack their bags and head home; series is already a done deal for WI!

I mean, come on people, there is a matter of at least 10 playing days before the series can have a result, if not longer and this Pak side was number 1 just last year. Have some faith, patience, or both!
 
Oh yes i recall now. Thanks Abdullah.

Thats a shame, hes good to watch and could become a super player
 
The squad is nothing to write home about. Weather permitting I'm expecting Pakistan to win 3-0.
 
Pakistan is not there to win the series, they are there to make our " legends" happy and to give them a farewell series.
 
Hetmeyer is a top player.

West Indies players are freakishly talented. If only their cricket board sorted out their personal issues.
 
usually whenever we've gone into a WI series in last fifteen years ive felt very confident about a win but somehow we end up screwing it

this time im relatively less upbeat.. so maybe we'll win
 
hes in ipl

dunno how he ended up with an ipl contract with his playing style

I am confused as well. His ODI S/R is 70 odd. That in modern day cricket. Even Shehzy has a better strike rate
 
Darren bravo's home record is not as great as out of WI. Considering what Pakistani did in practice match could be a thrilling series. Good squad give experience to younger players, will give you reward some day later.
 
Yasir shah will have to get a lot of wickets if we are to win. Our fast bowling resources are mediocre.
 
marlon samuels dropped?

darren bravo in ipl ? what a waste he will not get a game
 
I've said it before and I'll say it again. The West Indies have the real most naturally gifted players in the world as opposed to some people claiming it's otherwise :razzaq. Just imagine if they were to develop in county or shield as opposed to their awful system...


I think Pakistan should be frightened playing the Windies, especially with Yasir still out of form. Windies are favourites here.
 
I've said it before and I'll say it again. The West Indies have the real most naturally gifted players in the world as opposed to some people claiming it's otherwise :razzaq. Just imagine if they were to develop in county or shield as opposed to their awful system...


I think Pakistan should be frightened playing the Windies, especially with Yasir still out of form. Windies are favourites here.

I don't think so. West Indies in the last 10-15 years have only been decent in 20/20's. Test Cricket bores them and they don't have mental strength to stay at the crease for a long time for 2 innings which you need to win test matches.

These new guys they have brought in, you think they are suddenly going to win test matches for them? The fact it is Misbah and Younus's last test series will mean you see a motivated Pakistan who will win the test series.
 
I don't think so. West Indies in the last 10-15 years have only been decent in 20/20's. Test Cricket bores them and they don't have mental strength to stay at the crease for a long time for 2 innings which you need to win test matches.

These new guys they have brought in, you think they are suddenly going to win test matches for them? The fact it is Misbah and Younus's last test series will mean you see a motivated Pakistan who will win the test series.
Meh. I said natural talent, a temperament can develop and I think their current lot of test players all have decent temperament. It's the fact that their board is the worst by far that's killing them off.

They have pacers who move the ball, who can crank to 150+, batsmen who can thrash Yasir Shah, many many allrounders, and batsmen who can hit the ball miles away. The only thing I've seen that they lack is one who can play the moving ball...then again those r very rare anyway.
 
I've said it before and I'll say it again. The West Indies have the real most naturally gifted players in the world as opposed to some people claiming it's otherwise :razzaq. Just imagine if they were to develop in county or shield as opposed to their awful system...


I think Pakistan should be frightened playing the Windies, especially with Yasir still out of form. Windies are favourites here.

And Pakistan has a system? Even though they don't have a system, Windies are far more knowledgeable about cricket than Pakistan. They receive much better coaching and grow up playing school cricket which Pakistan doesn't even have. Listen to their ex-cricketers speak and compare to ours, you won't have trouble identifying separating the idiotic lot.

Their domestic system although not financially strong is not watered down like Pakistan's. Because of the smaller population and lesser teams, it's easier to identify the best players. Furthermore, because every island has their own team, there is less nepotism, unlike Pakistan where only players with political backing are able to make it to the top. Players with much greater potential than the filth currently playing are lost due to the system simply because they don't have any backing.
 
And Pakistan has a system? Even though they don't have a system, Windies are far more knowledgeable about cricket than Pakistan. They receive much better coaching and grow up playing school cricket which Pakistan doesn't even have. Listen to their ex-cricketers speak and compare to ours, you won't have trouble identifying separating the idiotic lot.

Their domestic system although not financially strong is not watered down like Pakistan's. Because of the smaller population and lesser teams, it's easier to identify the best players. Furthermore, because every island has their own team, there is less nepotism, unlike Pakistan where only players with political backing are able to make it to the top. Players with much greater potential than the filth currently playing are lost due to the system simply because they don't have any backing.

very well said.

I will give an example.

This guy Shahid Ilyas for last 8-9 years is known to be the real big deal in Islamabad. I have heard from so many people that he is one of the best batsman if not the best batsman in Islamabad. He plays for Junoon club (the other big club apart from Diamond). But strangely he has played only 2 domestic matches till now.
Didn't get a chance in Islamabad side till now and only recently played for PIA.
There is seriously something wrong somewhere.

His profile: http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakistan/content/player/547091.html
 
And Pakistan has a system? Even though they don't have a system, Windies are far more knowledgeable about cricket than Pakistan. They receive much better coaching and grow up playing school cricket which Pakistan doesn't even have. Listen to their ex-cricketers speak and compare to ours, you won't have trouble identifying separating the idiotic lot.

Their domestic system although not financially strong is not watered down like Pakistan's. Because of the smaller population and lesser teams, it's easier to identify the best players. Furthermore, because every island has their own team, there is less nepotism, unlike Pakistan where only players with political backing are able to make it to the top. Players with much greater potential than the filth currently playing are lost due to the system simply because they don't have any backing.
No, look at the batsmen they pick and look at their domestic records (which are usually mediocre). It's complete dross. The thing the Windies has is good selectors who pick batsmen/bowlers and let them sink or swim. This is what I mean by natural talent which allows them to do so.

Once picked for the national team, they are properly coached and whatnot and it's personally down to them whether they'd like to be T20 hacks or something bigger and better.
 
very well said.

I will give an example.

This guy Shahid Ilyas for last 8-9 years is known to be the real big deal in Islamabad. I have heard from so many people that he is one of the best batsman if not the best batsman in Islamabad. He plays for Junoon club (the other big club apart from Diamond). But strangely he has played only 2 domestic matches till now.
Didn't get a chance in Islamabad side till now and only recently played for PIA.
There is seriously something wrong somewhere.

His profile: http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakistan/content/player/547091.html
It's not just one or two players. And I'm not even talking domestic teams. This happens at the junior level.

Amir Sohail back when he used to work for PCB was in charge of selecting U-19(and below) players talked about this. He found a couple of very gifted players, one of whom could bowl around 140ks and equally gifted as a batsman but was not allowed to select them because those spots had to be filled by kids with political backing. Similarly this happens in district cricket, club cricket etc. because there's no accountability. No system nor qualified personnel to identify the best, it's just a filthy system.

Shoaib(who went through a similar struggle) on this topic said something very profound "water will find a way to swim around rocks but if you remove those rocks, it will come gushing through."
 
It's not just one or two players. And I'm not even talking domestic teams. This happens at the junior level.

Amir Sohail back when he used to work for PCB was in charge of selecting U-19(and below) players talked about this. He found a couple of very gifted players, one of whom could bowl around 140ks and equally gifted as a batsman but was not allowed to select them because those spots had to be filled by kids with political backing. Similarly this happens in district cricket, club cricket etc. because there's no accountability. No system nor qualified personnel to identify the best, it's just a filthy system.

Shoaib(who went through a similar struggle) on this topic said something very profound "water will find a way to swim around rocks but if you remove those rocks, it will come gushing through."

yeah same that one player was an example that even though he is so gifted he couldn't make it from Islamabad club side to Islamabad domestic side. There are many other examples and this happens at every level as you said.
 
KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) — West Indies’ latest batting recruit, Shimron Hetmyer, has hailed his outing in the three-day tour game against Pakistan as a learning experience and an important boost to his career.

The 20-year-old struck 97 in the contest at the Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium last weekend, a knock that helped him force his way into the 13-man squad for the opening Test bowling off here tomorrow.

“I’ve learnt that going through my innings, I should take it a ball at a time and a session at a time as well,” the Guyana Jaguars left-hander said.

“[I need to also] just keep my eyes on the ball as much as possible and try and communicate as much as possible with my partner to see what’s going on. Just waiting and being more selective [is also important].”

Hetmyer has been on the selectors’ radar ever since he captained West Indies Under-19s to their triumph at last year’s Youth World Cup in Bangladesh.

He further impressed in the regional four-day championship by gathering nearly 500 runs and was rewarded with a call-up to the WICB President’s XI side to face the Pakistanis.
Hetmyer said such tour games against international opposition were crucial for young players in the region.

“I think it is very important. [It tells us] where we are in our cricket and where we should improve and where we can improve,” he pointed out.

“If this should continue and we get more youngsters in the system, they would understand where they are and know how to build later.”

A naturally aggressive player at the top of the order, Hetmyer struck 11 fours and two sixes in a breezy 115-ball innings against a Pakistan attack that included the likes of leg-spinner Yasir Shah and pacer Mohammad Amir.

He said the knock had been important since he failed to get a significant score in his previous first-class outing.

“I just played to my strengths, that was mainly it. I just chose the balls that I could put away and I think I did that well,” he explained.

“The ball that I got out with, I don’t think I could’ve really done that much but then again, that’s how cricket goes sometimes.”

He added: “It (innings) boosted me a lot because coming off the last first-class game I played in Barbados, I didn’t really get much,so I was hoping to get some in this game and I think that came off.”

http://m.jamaicaobserver.com/mobile/sport/Pakistan-tour-match-a-learning-moment--says-Hetmyer_96130
 
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KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) — West Indies’ latest batting recruit, Shimron Hetmyer, has hailed his outing in the three-day tour game against Pakistan as a learning experience and an important boost to his career.

The 20-year-old struck 97 in the contest at the Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium last weekend, a knock that helped him force his way into the 13-man squad for the opening Test bowling off here tomorrow.

“I’ve learnt that going through my innings, I should take it a ball at a time and a session at a time as well,” the Guyana Jaguars left-hander said.

“[I need to also] just keep my eyes on the ball as much as possible and try and communicate as much as possible with my partner to see what’s going on. Just waiting and being more selective [is also important].”

Hetmyer has been on the selectors’ radar ever since he captained West Indies Under-19s to their triumph at last year’s Youth World Cup in Bangladesh.

He further impressed in the regional four-day championship by gathering nearly 500 runs and was rewarded with a call-up to the WICB President’s XI side to face the Pakistanis.
Hetmyer said such tour games against international opposition were crucial for young players in the region.

“I think it is very important. [It tells us] where we are in our cricket and where we should improve and where we can improve,” he pointed out.

“If this should continue and we get more youngsters in the system, they would understand where they are and know how to build later.”

A naturally aggressive player at the top of the order, Hetmyer struck 11 fours and two sixes in a breezy 115-ball innings against a Pakistan attack that included the likes of leg-spinner Yasir Shah and pacer Mohammad Amir.

He said the knock had been important since he failed to get a significant score in his previous first-class outing.

“I just played to my strengths, that was mainly it. I just chose the balls that I could put away and I think I did that well,” he explained.

“The ball that I got out with, I don’t think I could’ve really done that much but then again, that’s how cricket goes sometimes.”

He added: “It (innings) boosted me a lot because coming off the last first-class game I played in Barbados, I didn’t really get much,so I was hoping to get some in this game and I think that came off.”

http://m.jamaicaobserver.com/mobile/sport/Pakistan-tour-match-a-learning-moment--says-Hetmyer_96130

Hetmyer is a exciting prospect for WI, let's see how he plays in this Test series.
 
KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) — West Indies’ latest batting recruit, Shimron Hetmyer, has hailed his outing in the three-day tour game against Pakistan as a learning experience and an important boost to his career.

The 20-year-old struck 97 in the contest at the Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium last weekend, a knock that helped him force his way into the 13-man squad for the opening Test bowling off here tomorrow.

“I’ve learnt that going through my innings, I should take it a ball at a time and a session at a time as well,” the Guyana Jaguars left-hander said.

“[I need to also] just keep my eyes on the ball as much as possible and try and communicate as much as possible with my partner to see what’s going on. Just waiting and being more selective [is also important].”

Hetmyer has been on the selectors’ radar ever since he captained West Indies Under-19s to their triumph at last year’s Youth World Cup in Bangladesh.

He further impressed in the regional four-day championship by gathering nearly 500 runs and was rewarded with a call-up to the WICB President’s XI side to face the Pakistanis.
Hetmyer said such tour games against international opposition were crucial for young players in the region.

“I think it is very important. [It tells us] where we are in our cricket and where we should improve and where we can improve,” he pointed out.

“If this should continue and we get more youngsters in the system, they would understand where they are and know how to build later.”

A naturally aggressive player at the top of the order, Hetmyer struck 11 fours and two sixes in a breezy 115-ball innings against a Pakistan attack that included the likes of leg-spinner Yasir Shah and pacer Mohammad Amir.

He said the knock had been important since he failed to get a significant score in his previous first-class outing.

“I just played to my strengths, that was mainly it. I just chose the balls that I could put away and I think I did that well,” he explained.

“The ball that I got out with, I don’t think I could’ve really done that much but then again, that’s how cricket goes sometimes.”

He added: “It (innings) boosted me a lot because coming off the last first-class game I played in Barbados, I didn’t really get much,so I was hoping to get some in this game and I think that came off.”

http://m.jamaicaobserver.com/mobile/sport/Pakistan-tour-match-a-learning-moment--says-Hetmyer_96130

He makes his debut. Let's see if Pak bowlers can get rid of him soon
 
Holder is really bringing this team down. You can't play be playing as an allrounder at #8. He's not good enough as a bowler. Cummins should be playing.
 
Let's see all the 'Experts' from this thread, how they feel now?

That is why you wait till the first game is under way to make some pretty bold predictions...just in case someone says 'In Hindsight...', my comments are up there for all to read and reflect upn!
 
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West Indies cannot persist with this batting lineup in England.

Shai Hope can't keep living off "potential" with such meagre returns in his Test career so far.

Vishaul Singh could struggle in England with his static footwork and against quality seam/swing. Coming from Guyana where there's such slow, low surfaces he may find it hard to adapt to English conditions.

Hetmyer has been loose outside off-stump but worth persisting with as long as he's in the middle order at 5.

I'd consider bringing in Jason Mohammad and Sunil Ambris who's had some excellent recent domestic performances.
 
West Indies cannot persist with this batting lineup in England.

Shai Hope can't keep living off "potential" with such meagre returns in his Test career so far.

Vishaul Singh could struggle in England with his static footwork and against quality seam/swing. Coming from Guyana where there's such slow, low surfaces he may find it hard to adapt to English conditions.

Hetmyer has been loose outside off-stump but worth persisting with as long as he's in the middle order at 5.

I'd consider bringing in Jason Mohammad and Sunil Ambris who's had some excellent recent domestic performances.
Jason is not a long format player. He'll get found out very easily. They have to persist with this lineup.
 
Jason is not a long format player. He'll get found out very easily. They have to persist with this lineup.

Fearing a mismatch in England then. Darren Bravo is a must, WICB need to sort out his contract issues.

If they can consistently yet to 300 at least, then they'll give their bowling attack a chance. I think a quartet of Gabriel, Joseph, Cummins and Holder could be very handy in English conditions with Chase offering the 5th, spin bowling option.
 
Vishal Singh is not good enough. Blackwood should have played both matches ahead of him.
Rest of the batting side is fine.
Spin attack is v.weak.
 
Fearing a mismatch in England then. Darren Bravo is a must, WICB need to sort out his contract issues.

If they can consistently yet to 300 at least, then they'll give their bowling attack a chance. I think a quartet of Gabriel, Joseph, Cummins and Holder could be very handy in English conditions with Chase offering the 5th, spin bowling option.

I think they'll like English conditions better than Windies. These pitches are terrible for young batsmen to develop. They can't even play any shots. All runs have to be grinded. Young players need easy surfaces so they can trust their shots. It's easy to lose patience with them when a team is consistently losing but they have no choice but to persist. Messing around with Bravo was a huge mistake indeed.
 
West Indies cannot persist with this batting lineup in England.

Shai Hope can't keep living off "potential" with such meagre returns in his Test career so far.

Vishaul Singh could struggle in England with his static footwork and against quality seam/swing. Coming from Guyana where there's such slow, low surfaces he may find it hard to adapt to English conditions.

Hetmyer has been loose outside off-stump but worth persisting with as long as he's in the middle order at 5.

I'd consider bringing in Jason Mohammad and Sunil Ambris who's had some excellent recent domestic performances.

How about giving Samuels, Deonarine or a Fuaadin Recall ?

Jason definitely. Vishal needs another series given he has had two good FC seasons which is rare for Windies Fc batsman.

Hetymer & Hope might need rest for the moment.
 
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