Windies squad announced for First Test against England

– Hetmyer lone Guyanese in squad

Cricket West Indies (CWI) selection panel today announced the West Indies squad to face England in the first Test match of the much-anticipated Wisden Trophy Series.
The selectors have named an exciting squad, balancing players who have performed strongly in recent Tests with players who have been recalled or called up for the first time due to recent performances.
Two uncapped players will be thrilled to join the squad ahead of this great rivalry: John Campbell, the 26-year-old left-handed opening batsman and Shamarh

Brooks the 30-year-old right-handed middle-order batsman. There are recalls for fast bowler Alzarri Joseph and left-hander Darren Bravo. Fast bowler Oshane Thomas has been named as cover for Joseph, who is making a comeback from injury.
Chairman of Selectors, Courtney Browne, said: “After a difficult Test Series in Bangladesh late last year, the opportunity presents itself for our team to pick itself up. Although a tough series against England is anticipated, home turf has always been a place where our team has made strides.”
Browne declared. He added, “With the return of Darren Bravo, who will add value to a batting department, we expect to see marked improvement. Young, exciting fast bowler Alzarri Joseph, who was sidelined by injury, returns to the squad, and Shamarh Brooks has been elevated for his solid first-class performances over the last three years. John Campbell, the incumbent ‘A’ team opener, who has played first class cricket for a number of years, will open the batting after a good first-class season in 2018. The panel takes this opportunity to wish Captain Jason Holder

and his team all the best in the upcoming series.”
CEO Johnny Grave added: “The Wisden Trophy has got incredible history, and the West Indies have got a proud record to defend. England has only won one Test Series on West Indies soil in 50 years. We hope that our fans will once again become the team’s twelfth man and rally to create the noise and colour that gives the squad the support they deserve and register a win in what (would) be a great battle.”
(CWI) full squad reads as follows:
Jason Holder (Captain), Kraigg Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, John Campbell, Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Kemar Roach, Jomel Warrican
NOTE: Oshane Thomas has been called up as cover for Alzarri Joseph