Three Guyanese cricketers have been named in the West Indies’ 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match home Test series against Australia, starting Wednesday June 25 at Kensington Oval in Barbados.
Fast bowler Shamar Joseph is joined by maiden call-up Kevlon Anderson, a right-handed top-order batsman, and Tevin Imlach, a right-handed wicketkeeper-batter, as part of the team tasked with reclaiming the prestigious Sir Frank Worrell Trophy.
Cricket West Indies’ selection comes after a difficult tour of Europe, where the West Indies struggled for consistency and results, prompting renewed focus on reshaping the Test side for the start of the new World Test Championship cycle.
The squad will be led by Roston Chase, with Jomel Warrican serving as vice-captain. The full squad includes: Roston Chase (Captain), Jomel Warrican (Vice-Captain), Kevlon Anderson, Kraigg Brathwaite, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Johann Layne, Mikyle Louis, Anderson Phillip, and Jayden Seales.
Among the notable changes, John Campbell returns to bolster the top order, while Brandon King, the ODI vice-captain, earns a maiden Test selection. Anderson’s inclusion follows a prolific domestic season, which featured three centuries, building on strong form from 2023–24. Meanwhile, Keacy Carty returns to the red-ball setup on the back of his recent one-day international form, and Shai Hope, the current white-ball captain, brings experience and composure to the batting unit.
The pace attack will be spearheaded by Seales, Alzarri Joseph, and Shamar Joseph, while support comes from 21-year-old Johann Layne—a West Indies Academy graduate with 63 first-class wickets in 17 matches—and Anderson Phillip, who recently claimed a five-wicket haul for West Indies A against South Africa A. Spin duties will be shared between Chase and Warrican.
Miles Bascombe, CWI’s Director of Cricket, noted that “the start of the Test Championship Cycle is critical to building positive momentum as we strive to work our way up the rankings. Beginning with a strong showing against a team like Australia would be ideal in our quest to bring West Indies back to the helm of Test cricket.”
“It was imperative that we sought to put a squad together that was well equipped, in both the batting and bowling departments, to manage the ebbs and flows of this format of the game, while possessing the ability to apply pressure in key phases, through disciplined, purposeful play.”
Head Coach Daren Sammy praised the selection panel for targeting the right mix of youth and experience:
“We analysed what the top teams in the world are doing and what is needed for us to bridge the gap. We have identified a direction, along with the group of players and resources to give us the best advantage as we seek to take the team up the ladder and challenge the best in the world.”
“I’m excited about the inclusion of young prospect Kevlon Anderson, who comes in after solid seasons in our domestic competitions to help provide stability in the top order, while the return of Shai Hope is welcomed given his consistency in white-ball cricket,” Sammy added.
“Brandon King’s inclusion fits a role we have identified that needs special focus to take our team to those closer to the top of the rankings.”
The first Test of the series will be a key opportunity for the West Indies to reset their red-ball fortunes and set a new tone for the Test Championship cycle.
The series continues with the second Test from July 3–7 at the National Stadium, Grenada, followed by the third and final Test, a day/night match, scheduled for July 12–16 at Sabina Park, Jamaica.
