West Indies Cricket announced the Test squad for the upcoming two-match series of the men in maroon against Sri Lanka. Jason Holder and Darren Bravo have found themselves back in the squad while 10 players from the ‘second string’ team that created history in Bangladesh barely a month ago have also retained their positions in the squad.
Jermaine Blackwood has been named deputy to Kragg Brathwaite who overtook the captaincy mantle from Jason Holder.
"It is good to be able to put together a Test squad with a number of players coming off very good performances in their last series in Bangladesh. It is a fantastic opportunity to build on the good work that was done in Bangladesh,” chief selector Roger Harper said in a press conference.
Terming the historic victory as a boost for Windies cricket in the long format, Harper said that too many players competing for limited spots would increase the competing zeal in the squad.
“This now means that there is keen competition for places which should drive better individual performances and that of the team. I also think that these players are looking forward to displaying their skills on home soil,” Harper added.
West Indies play the first of the two games beginning 21st March at the iconic Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound.
West Indies squad: Kraigg Brathwaite (captain) Jermaine Blackwood (vc) Nkrumah Bonner Darren Bravo John Campbell Rahkeem Cornwall Joshua Da Silva (wk) Shannon Gabriel Jason Holder Alzarri Joseph Kyle Mayers Kemar Roach Jomel Warrican