WI vs IND | Keemo Paul retained as West Indies announce squad for two-match Test series
After Alzzari Joseph failed to recover in time, Keemo Paul, who was drafted into the squad for the England series, has retained his place in the side for the India Test series. While Chris Gayle wanted to be a part of the series, the selectors resist the temptation and didn't pick the opener.
West Indies claimed a 2-1 victory over England earlier in 2019 and putting the faith in the team, the selectors retained most of the players for the forthcoming series against India. Apart from injured fast bowler Alzarri Joseph and left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican, everyone has retained their spot in the side and the selectors resisted the temptation to grant Chris Gayle a sentimental final Test appearance on home ground.
The 39-year-old had played the last Test in September 2014 but had hinted during the World Cup that he was open to playing one more Test before bringing down the curtain on his international career. However, with the non-selection, it is clear that the third ODI in Port of Spain on Wednesday will be his last appearance for the Windies.
Gayle has made 7,214 runs in Test cricket with a highest score of 333 but his career in recent years has been confined to white-ball cricket and franchise T20 leagues before he made an international comeback with the Wolrd Cup qualifiers in Harare in 2018.
Meanwhile, Antiguan off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall has received his maiden Test call up, having impressed for Leeward Islands Hurricanes in the West Indies Championship. Cornwall, who stands tall at six feet and five inches, has taken 260 wickets in 55 first-class matches and has been a handy customer both with bat and ball.
"Rahkeem has been performing consistently over a long period of time and has proven to be a match-winner, so we believe his elevation to the Test squad is merited at this time," said chief selector Robert Haynes.
West Indies ‘A’ team captain Shamarh Brooks is the only other uncapped player in the squad but it is unlikely that he would get a chance to make his debut this time.
West Indies Test squad for India series: Jason Holder (c), Kraigg Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, John Campbell, Roston Chase, Rahkeem Cornwall, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Keemo Paul, Kemar Roach.
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