West Indies announce 17-member provisional squad for 2-match Test Series against Pakistan

[MenInG]

West Indies announce 17-member provisional squad for Betway Test Series

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Cricket West Indies (CWI) Selection Panel today announced the 17-member provisional squad for the Betway Test Series against Pakistan, starting on Thursday, August 12.

The panel have recalled fast bowler Chemar Holder and middle-order batsman Shamarh Brooks. Holder made his Test debut in New Zealand last year but has not featured since then. Brooks last played in New Zealand and has earned a recall following a polished century in the Best v Best four-day match last week. Additionally, two experienced players, left-hander Darren Bravo and fast bowler Shannon Gabriel will not feature in the upcoming two-match series.

Roger Harper, Lead Selector of the Senior Men’s Team said: “Chemar Holder returns, having recovered from his injury. He will bolster the fast bowling department. Shamarh Brooks batted his way into the provisional squad by scoring an accomplished century. He will certainly add some depth to the squad’s batting.

“Shannon Gabriel has been given time to rehab fully and build his conditioning, so he was not part of the preparations for the Test series against Pakistan, which included the Best v Best game. Darren Bravo has been part of the ‘bubble’ from the preparation camp leading into the Betway Test series against South Africa and has been given a break.”

Harper added: “I expect the team to be highly competitive in every department while playing with passion, purpose and determination. I look forward to the batsmen stepping up as they did in the series against Bangladesh and against Sri Lanka earlier this year in Antigua.”

The two-match Betway Test Series will be played at Sabina Park from August 12-16 and August 20-24. The Betway Test Series forms the first of six Series in the new cycle of the International Cricket Council World Test Championship to find the best Test match cricket team in the world.


FULL SQUAD

Kraigg Brathwaite (Captain)
Jermaine Blackwood (Vice Captain)
Nkrumah Bonner
Shamarh Brooks
Rahkeem Cornwall
Roston Chase
Joshua Da Silva
Jahmar Hamilton
Chemar Holder
Jason Holder
Shai Hope
Alzarri Joseph
Kyle Mayers
Kieran Powell
Kemar Roach
Jayden Seales
Jomel Warrican

 

[Shoaibbtt]

Finally looks like they'll go with 3 pacers in Jayden, Kemar and Holder. Hmmm no Gabriel good news?

 

[MenInG]

Some respite for Pak batsmen with Gabriel not around but PLEASE don't give wickets to spinners - it's embarrassing

 

[Shoaibbtt]

Some respite for Pak batsmen with Gabriel not around but PLEASE don't give wickets to spinners - it's embarrassing

I don't know that Rakheem looks awkward especially with his tall height, so he might get some extra bounce. Kinda reminds me of Muhammad Irfan Jr (spinner) in the domestic circuit.

 

[Saurav]

Paper thin batting

Where are Darren Bravo and Hetmyer?

Pak should win this

 

[Shoaibbtt]

Paper thin batting

Where are Darren Bravo and Hetmyer?

Pak should win this

Hetmyer doesn't play tests i think?

Bravo is taking a break from what the admin posted.

“Shannon Gabriel has been given time to rehab fully and build his conditioning, so he was not part of the preparations for the Test series against Pakistan, which included the Best v Best game. Darren Bravo has been part of the ‘bubble’ from the preparation camp leading into the Betway Test series against South Africa and has been given a break.”

I wouldn't discount this WI batting line-up Kyle Mayers, Bonner, Kraig Brathwaite, Shai Hope are no push overs with guys like Holder and Rakheem chipping in.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Think the pitches will be seam friendly which is not a good news for Pakistan. Roach is a very good test bowler.

 

[cricketAXEpert]

Some respite for Pak batsmen with Gabriel not around but PLEASE don't give wickets to spinners - it's embarrassing

Not really, Kemar Roach and Alzarri Joseph can do a lot of damage. Opening Pair is weak, Abid Ali needs to prove himself against this pace attack and Imran Butt is yet to earn his place in the side.

Imam ul Haq should be tried as an opener.

 

[Shoaibbtt]

Not really, Kemar Roach and Alzarri Joseph can do a lot of damage. Opening Pair is weak, Abid Ali needs to prove himself against this pace attack and Imran Butt is yet to earn his place in the side.

Imam ul Haq should be tried as an opener.

Kemar hasn't played much against Pak as has Alzarri. Both have been ok but not great. It remains to be seen how they perform, Kemar prefers left handers so we'll have to see.

I don't know why people keep advocating for Imam when he's done absolutely nothing to merit a recall. If you have Abdullah Shafique play him and see how he does, else open with Azhar retain one of the openers and then play Saud at 3.

Recalls should be earned and not gifted.

 

[cricketAXEpert]

Kemar hasn't played much against Pak as has Alzarri. Both have been ok but not great. It remains to be seen how they perform, Kemar prefers left handers so we'll have to see.

I don't know why people keep advocating for Imam when he's done absolutely nothing to merit a recall. If you have Abdullah Shafique play him and see how he does, else open with Azhar retain one of the openers and then play Saud at 3.

Recalls should be earned and not gifted.

I agree on Sending Saud at #3 We need a reliable settled opening pair, If Azhar and Abid Ali can do it, than by all means that should the opening pair. however Abdullah Shafique is being wasted on the bench, he needs to play Domestic which he can't because he is on drinks duty with the team. I dont think he is ready for test cricket.

 

[cricketAXEpert]

Babar Azam had a lot of Success in Odis but he took time to transfer that performance into test Matches.

Imam ul Haq is in same boat he has done well in Odis just needs a bit of persistence at test level.

 

[Shoaibbtt]

I agree on Sending Saud at #3 We need a reliable settled opening pair, If Azhar and Abid Ali can do it, than by all means that should the opening pair. however Abdullah Shafique is being wasted on the bench, he needs to play Domestic which he can't because he is on drinks duty with the team. I dont think he is ready for test cricket.

I mean can't really say Abdullah is being wasted, he's been selected play him if he's so good. I mean he does look good technically but can't say anything about anyone until they've been selected and played.

Given the issues with our openers i am willing to trial Abduallah, it's a relatively low risk series in my view and given the way the openers have performed you can't really go wrong with dropping both Imran/Abid or one of them.

Abid though really infuriated me with him taking off his helmet after he scored a 50 against Zimbabwe which was pathetic to say the least.