Uncapped Rahkeem Cornwall, Shamarh Brooks in Windies squad for India Test series

Windies have announced their 13-man squad for the upcoming Test series against world number one Team India. Both the teams are currently locked in the three-match ODI series. The first game of the series was washed out and the teams will now lock horns in the penultimate match of the series in Trinidad on Sunday (August 11). Prior to the ODIs, the teams played a three-match T20I series which India won by a margin of 3-0.

West Indies have included uncapped Rahkeem Cornwall and Shamarh Brooks in the squad. With no other specialist spinner in the squad, Cornwall could make his much-awaited debut in the series. Cornwall has been rewarded for his impressive performance in the West Indies Championship and the West Indies ‘A’ team. So far, Cornwall has taken 260 wickets in 55 first-class matches. He is also a very handy batsman and averages just below 25 in 97 innings.

“Rahkeem has been performing consistently over a long period of time and has proven to be a match-winner, so we believe his elevation to the Test squad is merited at this time,” said the chief selector Robert Haynes.

Brooks, on the other hand, recently impressed for Windies A against India A. He scored fifties in both the unofficial Tests. Having played 73 first-class games, Brooks has also ample experience. Other than these two changes, the Cricket West Indies selectors have shown faith in the squad that won the Test series against England earlier this year.

The only players to miss out are injured fast bowler Alzarri Joseph and left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican. All-rounder Keemo Paul, a replacement for captain Jason Holder when he was forced to miss the final Test of the England series, has retained his place.

The two-match Test series will start from August 22 at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground in Cornwall’s native Antigua. The second and final Test will start from August 30 Sabina Park in Jamaica. The series will kickstart both the teams’ campaign in the World Test Championship.

West Indies Test Squad for India series:

Jason Holder (c), Kraigg Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, John Campbell, Roston Chase, Rahkeem Cornwall, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Keemo Paul, Kemar Roach.

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