Windies vs India: Hosts announce 13-man squad for the second Test

The West Indies are yet to win a single game against India in the ongoing full-fledged tour at home. They have lost the T20I series 0-3 and ODI series 0-2 and are trailing 0-1 in the two-Test series which is also part of the world championship. The second and final Test begins at Sabina Park, Kingston, on August 30 and Jason Holder’s side will be keen to level the series and earn its first points. India won the first Test in Antigua by a mammoth 318-run margin to pick 60 points.

The Caribbean camp had one good news. All-rounder Keemo Paul replaced fast bowler Miguel Cummins in the 13-man squad for the upcoming Test after missing the previous one because of an ankle injury. Cricket West Indies (CWI) confirmed that the 21-year-old Paul, who has played only three Tests so far but is considered among one the most promising players that the Windies have to offer, has recovered and is available for selection, agencies reported.

Cummins, who has played in 14 Tests, made a dubious record of scoring the second-longest duck in Test cricket in Antigua. He failed to pick any wicket and made an unbeaten 19 in the second innings to help the West Indies reach a three-figure total after getting reduced to 50 for 9.

Gayle not included 13-man squad for one final hurrah

Meanwhile, veteran Chris Gayle, who is just days short of turning 40, was not included in the 13-man squad for the second Test. The Universe Boss had backtracked on his retirement after the World Cup and had hinted of playing the Jamaica Test, which is home ground, before hanging his boots from the game.

The West Indies have a tough task in their hands to win the Test match. They haven’t beaten India in the format since 2002 and have lost seven successive Test series since beating them at home the same year.

Windies squad for the second Test: Jason Holder (captain), Kraigg Braithwaite, Darren Bravo, Roston Chase, Shamarh Brooks, John Campbell, Shimron Hetmyer, Rakheem Cornwall, Keemo Paul, Jahmar Hamilton, Shannon Gabriel, Shai Hope (wicket-keeper), Kemar Roach.

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