Kraigg Brathwaite: A proven option for the opening spot for the Carribean nation, the 26-year-old has been experiencing some form of a slump recently. He has failed to score big in the past few series, having not even recorded a half-century in the team’s last Test series against England. With over 50 caps and nearly 3,500 runs to his name in Tests, he will be looking to emulate his form of 2016 and get back to his best. 

Sharmarh Brooks: The 30-year-old has had to wait for long to break into the national team and is yet to receive his Test cap, having sat out all the three games against England even though he was included in the squad. However, with good showings in domestic cricket and John Campbell somewhat underwhelming against England, the first Test might finally see him make his debut.

Shai Hope: The player has so far failed to live up to his promise in red-ball cricket and for the large part of his 29 matches he has underperformed. Yet, the raw talent that the 26-year-old possesses makes him a must have in the squad and even though he was named West Indies’ Test Cricketer of the Year, he will be trying to show the world how much more he has in his locker.

Shane Dowrich: It has taken the Windies years but it looks like they have finally found a wicket-keeper in Test cricket who they can rely on with both bat and behind the stumps. The 27-year-old's feats in the series against England were nothing short of remarkable, rescuing his team from a deep hole many a time. It was capped off by his unbeaten century at Bridgetown, and the Windies would love to see Dowrich repeat his heroics come Thursday.  

Rahkeem Cornwall: Another uncapped player, he was recently named by his cricketing board as the Championship Player of the Year after astounding performances in the domestic four-day competition. He ended as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, picking up as many as 54 scalps in just nine appearances, while also contributing with important cameos in the lower-middle order. With chances that a spinning track might be on play for the first game, Cornwall is likely to finally receive his Test cap.

Shannon Gabriel: A standout performer in the format last year on the international level, the 31-year-old already has 126 wickets to his name and has been more or less consistent throughout his career. He had an average series against England but his ability to seam the ball both ways is a key weapon that can prove to be highly effective for him against the Indian batting lineup.