Rahkeem Cornwall, the spin-bowling all-rounder, is back in the West Indies team for the first time in nearly two years for the first Test versus India, which begins on July 12 in Dominica. Along with another spinner Jomel Warrican, the hosts have Kirk McKenzie, a left-handed batter who has received his first call-up.
Alick Athanaze, an uncapped batter, who went to South Africa although failed to get a game, is also kept in the squad. Chief selector Desmond Haynes chose to keep two backup reserves with keeper-batter Tevin Imlach and right-arm quick Akeem Jordan because regulars Kyle Mayers plus Jayden Seales are recovering from injuries and taking a break.
The precaution is not to have him: Desmond Haynes
Desmond Haynes spoke about the progress of the injured duo of Jayden Seales and Kyle Mayers. He said, “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 rigours of a five-day match at this stage.”
While the seasoned Jason Holder, Kemar Roach, Shannon Gabriel, and Alzarri Joseph make up the pace foursome, seamer Raymon Reifer is retained as a versatile alternative.
The selection committee was also taken aback by McKenzie (age 22) and Athanaze (age 24), who each struck a pair of fifties for the A side in Bangladesh in May. McKenzie struck 91 as well as 86 at Sylhet, but Athanaze recently made his ODI debut against the UAE in Sharjah and scored the joint-fastest fifty, earning him a CPL deal with the Barbados Royals.
West Indies placed a disappointing eighth out of nine, having won just four of their scheduled 13 games, whereas India finished second during the previous cycle, advancing for the World Test Championship Final once again.
Fans react to Rakheem Cornwall returning to test cricket after 20 months:
Rahkeem Cornwall in the headshot session.
He's returning to Test cricket after 20 months! pic.twitter.com/h1hZGu7wLo
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 11, 2023
Sorry and not disrespecting.
But he looks like Inzamam of West Indies!
— ??? ???? (@pk_rsy) July 11, 2023
Good to see rick ross playing cricket
— k (@bigRedEgo) July 11, 2023
Giving Competition to our captain
— Mid Wicket (@LawlSagittarius) July 11, 2023
Kohli gifting his wicket to him at least 2/3 times in this upcoming series ?
— Tanmay (@Tanmay2118) July 11, 2023
WestIndias always give him chance against minnow.
— Qasim Ali143 (@qali646204) July 11, 2023
Why Rohit is wearing Windies jersey bro
— ?ratik Agarwal (@IccCWC23) July 11, 2023
Rohit will not feel bad.
— Abhi (@Abhishek_011085) July 11, 2023
Virat will think twice before sledging him ?
— Sukham Garg ?? (@SukhamGarg19) July 11, 2023
In terms of fitness:
This guy >>> Rohit
— Spoidermon17 (@ZiMbU5656) July 11, 2023
