West Indies Overlook Kemar Roach For Test Series Against Australia

Kemar Roach has been the West Indies' most successful bowler in recent years. However, he does not find a place in the squad for the upcoming Test series at home against Australia. Roach is the West Indies' fifth-highest wicket-taker in Tests with 284 scalps in 85 Tests since making his debut in 2009. 

The 36-year-old played for the West Indies earlier this year in the Test series against Pakistan. It remains unclear if the team management has decided to move on from the veteran pacer.

"Despite being under consideration, veteran pacer Kemar Roach has not been included and has been duly informed," Cricket West Indies (CWI) said in a press release.

In what comes as good news for the Men in Maroon, Shai Hope has returned to the squad and is in line to make his first appearance in the format since 2021. John Campbell, who hasn't played for West Indies since 2022, also finds a place in the 16-member squad.

Following three centuries in the domestic circuit, Kevlon Anderson gets his maiden Test call-up, as does Brandon King. Keacy Carty's impressive One-Day International (ODI) form sees him earn a recall as well. The Test series against Australia at home will mark both teams' first set of matches in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle. 

“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," West Indies head coach Daren Sammy said.

“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. 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.”

Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph, and Shamar Joseph will continue to lead the pace bowling attack. They will be joined by 21-year-old Johann Layne, who has 63 wickets from 17 first-class matches, along with Anderson Phillip, who has been included at the back of a five-wicket haul in the A game against South Africa.

Roston Chase, who will be leading the Test side for the first time, will handle the spin duties with his deputy Jomel Warrican.

The three-match series gets underway from June 25, with the first Test scheduled to be played in Barbados. The action will then shift to Grenada and Jamaica for the next two games. 

West Indies squad for Australia Tests: Roston Chase (c), Jomel Warrican (vc), 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