Anderson earns maiden call-up as CWI names shocking Test team

West Indies’ Test team will have a relatively new look when they take on Australia in a three-match series, set to bowl off in two weeks’ time.
Cricket West Indies (CWI) on Tuesday announced its 16-member squad for the much-anticipated three-match home Test series against Australia, which begins on Wednesday, June 25 at Kensington Oval in Barbados for the coveted Sir Frank Worrell Trophy.

With this series signalling the critical start of the 2025-2027 International Cricket Council (ICC) Test Championship Cycle, several changes have been made to the squad that last featured in the drawn series against Pakistan earlier this year.
CWI Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe expressed that selections were made in line with the team’s commitment to building a bold, execution-driven identity in Test cricket, with consistency in batting output and a dynamic bowling attack being key in the overall assessment.
“The start of the Test Championship Cycle is critical to building positive momentum as we strive to work our way up the rankings. Beginning with a strong showing against a team like Australia would be ideal in our quest to bring West Indies back to the helm of Test cricket,” said Bascombe. “It was imperative that we sought to put a squad together that was well equipped, in both the batting and bowling departments, to manage the ebbs and flows of this format of the game, while possessing the ability to apply pressure in key phases, through disciplined, purposeful play.”
John Campbell returns to the squad, bolstering the options at the top of the order. After a prolific domestic season inclusive of three centuries, backing up a strong showing in the 2023-2024 season, Kevlon Anderson earned a maiden call-up, while on the back of his recent One-Day International (ODI) form, Keacy Carty earns a recall to the squad, with ODI Vice Captain Brandon King securing a first-time inclusion. In conjunction with the return of limited-overs Captain Shai Hope, these selections are intended to fortify a battling line-up that is expected to sustain pressure on the opposing attack.
Head Coach Daren Sammy praised the work of the selection group to identify the players needed to start the new Test cycle.
“We analysed what the top teams in the world are doing and what is needed for us to bridge the gap. We have identified a direction, along with the group of players and resources to give us the best advantage as we seek to take the team up ladder and challenge the best in the world.”
Sammy added, “I’m excited about the inclusion of young prospect Kevlon Anderson, who comes in after solid seasons in our domestic competitions to help provide stability in the top order, while the return of Shai Hope is welcomed given his consistency in white-ball cricket.”
Sammy said, “Brandon King’s inclusion fits a role we have identified that needs special focus to take our team to those closer to the top of the rankings.”
Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph, and Shamar Joseph headline the fast-bowling attack. Additionally, Johann Layne, a 21-year-old product of the West Indies Academy, who claimed 63 First-Class wickets in 17 matches, along with Anderson Phillip, who recently captured a five-wicket haul for West Indies A against South Africa A, have being called up to provide reinforcement. Spin responsibilities will be handled by Captain Roston Chase and Vice Captain Jomel Warrican.
Despite being under consideration, veteran pacer Kemar Roach has not been included and has been duly informed.
Sammy, while asking for patience from the fans towards the players, said they can look forward to an exciting style over the series.
“I am truly looking forward to this series, because we want to start off strongly and make our home turf a fortress during this cycle, while having our passionate and proud fans behind us. The matches will be challenging, but I believe in this core of players, and they are eager to wear the maroon and make our fans happy.”
West Indies Test squad for the series against Australia reads: Captain Roston Chase, Vice Captain Jomel Warrican, Kevlon Anderson, Kraigg Brathwaite, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Johann Layne, Mikyle Louis, Anderson Phillip and Jayden Seales.
Team Management Unit:
Head Coach: Daren Sammy
Assistant Coach (Batting): Floyd Reifer
Assistant Coach (Bowling): Ravi Rampaul
Assistant Coach (Fielding): Rayon Griffith
Team Manager: Rawl Lewis
Physiotherapist: Dr Denis Byam
Strength & Conditioning Coach: Ronald Rogers
Massage Therapist: Darc Browne
Team Analyst: Avenesh Seetaram
Content& Media Officer: Jerome Foster
FULL MATCH SCHEDULE
1st Test: June 25-29, 2025 @ Kensington Oval, Barbados
2nd Test: July 3-7, 2025 @ National Stadium, Grenada
3rd Test: July 12-16, 2025 @ Sabina Park, Jamaica DAY/NIGHT