Wicket-keeper batsman Shai Hope has been called-up by the selectors for the first Test against South Africa scheduled to begin on Thursday (June 10, 2021) while fast bowler Shanon Gabriel will be missing out to be a part of the opening encounter due to injury.
“Shai Hope has performed very well in the red ball matches he has played, following on the back of his highly successful One-Day International series against Sri Lanka, so he has forced his way into the squad by performance,” chief selector Roger Harper said in a statement on Tuesday.
Hope has played 34 Tests for West Indies and has scored 1603 runs during the course.
Top-order batsman Kieran Powell found a place for himself in the squad while Jayden Seales was also named in the 13-man squad. “Jayden Seales is young, very enthusiastic and has a big heart. In the ‘Best v Best’ matches he bowled with pace, got movement and has displayed the ability to take wickets,” Harper said.
The second Test slated to begin on June 18 will be played at the same venue.
The Test series will be followed by a five-match T20I series which will start on June 26 in Grenada. All the matches will be held at the same venue for the T20I series as well.
West Indies Test squad: Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner, Roston Chase, Rahkeem Cornwall, Joshua Da Silva, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Kieran Powell, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales