No Holder against Bangladesh

Cricket West Indies (CWI) Men’s Selection Panel announced a 12-man squad, excluding all-rounder Jason Holder, for the first Test against Bangladesh, starting from June 16.

West Indies will be without the services of Holder, who requested to be rested for the series against Bangladesh. Batsman Tagenarine Chanderpaul and fast bowler Shermon Lewis have been selected as reserves.

Fast bowler Kemar Roach’s inclusion is still in doubt as he is still recovering from a hamstring injury that he suffered in the English County Championship with Surrey. He will undergo a fitness test leading up to the match and will be included as the 13th squad member upon passing it.

Other than Roach, West Indies will have fast-bowlers Alzarri Joseph and Jayden Seales at their disposal. The three fast-bowlers picked up 32 wickets amongst themselves in their series triumph against England earlier in March.

The squad includes three players, who are yet to make their Test debut. Wicket-keeper batsman Devon Thomas, left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, and fast bowler Anderson Phillip were the three players named.

Devon made his international debut in both the white ball formats against Bangladesh. He played his first One-day International in July 2009, and featured in his very first Twenty20 International in August of the same year. Motie has played in one T20I so far, while Phillip has played three ODIs.

Lead selector, Dr Desmond Haynes hinted at using their home advantage to maximise their chances of winning the two Tests against Bangladesh, which are part of the World Test Championship.

“We are looking to pick up World Test Championship points against Bangladesh which will be very important. It would be good for us to use our home advantage to win both Test matches and collect those points,” he said.

CWI also named a 12-member CWI President’s XI to face Bangladesh in a three-day warm-up match at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua starting today.