Barbadian left-arm spinner Joshua Bishop has earned his maiden Test call-up, becoming one of two changes to the West Indies squad for the two-match series against Pakistan, which bowls off in Trinidad and Tobago on July 25.
Bishop’s selection follows a dominant run in the regional first-class championship over the past three seasons, during which he claimed 91 wickets while representing Barbados Pride and the West Indies Academy.
Returning to the squad following a two year absence is in form Jamaica Scorpions top order batsman Kirk McKenzie. During this season’s abbreviated West Indies Championship, he scored 323 runs in six innings at an average of 64.60.
Making way for McKenzie and Bishop are fast bowler Alzarri Joseph who is unavailable due to personal reasons and opener John Campbell, who will miss the series as he continues his recovery from a left hamstring strain.
Campbell sustained the injury during the recently concluded One-Day International series against New Zealand.
Following the 1-0 test series victory over Sri Lanka earlier this month, West Indies have retained the nucleus of that squad, including veteran pacer Kemar Roach, who recently became the fifth West Indies bowler in history to take 300 test wickets.
The Brian Lara Cricket Academy will also enter the history books on Saturday when it becomes the 13th venue in the region to stage Test cricket.
West Indies Test Squad:
West Indies test squad for two match series against Pakistan. (Photo Credit: CWI Media)
Roston Chase (Captain), Jomel Warrican (Vice-Captain), Joshua Bishop,Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Joshua Da Silva, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Shai Hope, Amir Jangoo, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Kirk McKenzie, Keemo Paul, Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales.
(KH)
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