The West Indies announced a 13-man roster for the first Test against India beginning July 12 in Dominica, which also marks the start of the third cycle to the World Test Championship for the two countries. Left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican and spin-bowling all-rounder Rahkeem Cornwall mark their return in this series.
The injury to lead bowler Gudakesh Motie is thought to be one of the primary factors in Warrican’s inclusion back into the Test squad. He had previously travelled to Zimbabwe, but he skipped this year’s South Africa tour.
Since November 2021, Cornwall has not appeared for the West Indies in red-ball cricket, after making his Test debut versus India back in 2019. He and Warrican will likely face off in the first Test, with the hosts set to select three specialised pacers to counter the potent Indian batting lineup.
The West Indies team is now in pre-series boot camp at Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua, and they will depart for Dominica on Sunday. In preparation for the game, they will work out on Monday afternoon as well as Tuesday morning.
This has created an opportunity for Warrican and Cornwall: Desmond Haynes
Chief selector Desmond Haynes spoke about the injury to the left arm spinner Gudakesh Motie. He said, “We are without Motie, who is doing his rehabilitation, and this has created an opportunity for Warrican and Cornwall in the spin bowling department. They have both played at Test match level before and are capable of doing the job.”
He then spoke about the two youngsters who have been drafted into the team. He said, “We were very impressed with the approach to batsmanship of McKenzie and Athanaze on the recent ‘A’ Team tour of Bangladesh. These are two young players who got good scores and played with great maturity, and we believe they deserve an opportunity.”
Haynes added, “We had Jayden Seales here in the camp and he has made good progress during his rehab from surgery. However, we felt he is not yet quite ready to return, and we don’t want to risk him at this stage. Kyle Mayers was also considered but he has some niggles, and the precaution is not to have him in the rigors of a five-day match at this stage.”
Fans react to West Indies announcing Rakheem Cornwall for their Test series against India: –
Rahkeem Cornwall included in West Indies team for the India series.
He returns to the Test team after 2 years! pic.twitter.com/KXUIUGPN9F
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 8, 2023
Their wants to see his performance against poor team so that he can get in form,nice vision.
— Maayus Murga (@aksshayy___) July 8, 2023
When the opposing team has a player like Rohit Sharma, your team needs someone like that, who can get him out . pic.twitter.com/JDfhAFvc3Z
— Next ICC Trophy When (@Next_ICC_Trophy) July 8, 2023
Tough competition to rohit sharma. Battle of heavy weights
— E=MC^2 (@Hyperphysics23) July 8, 2023
That means the most unfit player won't be from the Indian team…
— Khush Thakkar (@Khush_Thakkar12) July 8, 2023
Great. Really enjoy his presence. Great fun.
— Jayendran Menon (@Dayamaitreya) July 8, 2023
Rohit Vs Rakhem. Both are heavy weight batters. Intresting battle ahead.
— Barkha Joshi (@bindasbarkha) July 8, 2023
Rohit Sharma vs Rahkeem Cornwall The Battle Will Be Legendary ??.
— Aufridi Chumtya (@ShuhidAufridi) July 8, 2023
I seriously believe the ICT is wasting its time with these Mickey Mouse series in a year when we have a World Cup coming up
— Rajeev (@itismerajeev) July 8, 2023
Agar rakkeem ko koi takkar dey sakta hai size main to woh hai azam khan ….in dono kay samnay to rohit aur sarfarz bhi proper fit lagtay hain
— Stiffmeister (@chico91617929) July 8, 2023
Rohit Sharma's brother from another mother
— ? (@PackedBishh) July 8, 2023
