Opening batsman Devon Smith has not been selected in the 15-man West Indies squad for the upcoming two-Test series in India.
The 36-year-old left-hander was recalled to the side earlier this year for the home series against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, following a three-year hiatus, but a return of two half-centuries was not enough to keep his place.
West Indies play MRF Tyres No.1 ranked Test side India in two Test matches on away soil. They will then compete in five ODIs and three T20Is.
Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph, 21, returns to the squad, having not featured in Tests since the Windies’ 2017 tour of England, while Miguel Cummins misses out. Young paceman Keemo Paul retains his spot, while Sunil Ambris and Kahmar Hamilton are also included, with the former having recovered from an injury that saw him miss the previous two Test series.
Chairman of selectors, Courtney Browne, had praise for the Windies. “The panel congratulates Jason Holder and his team on the excellent performance against Bangladesh,” he said. “As the team embarks on a tough tour of India the successes against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh should hold them in good stead during the India series.
“The panel welcomes back Sunil Ambris who missed the last couple of series due to injury, along with Jomel Warrican who adds a second spin bowling option to the attack.”
Squad: Jason Holder (c), Sunil Ambris, Devendra Bishoo, Kraigg Brathwaite, Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Jahmar Hamilton, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Keemo Paul, Kieran Powell, Kemar Roach, Jomel Warrican
Test series fixtures
1st Test: 3-8 October, Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot
2nd Test: 12-16 October, Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad
