Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph are back in the West Indies Test team for a two-match series against Sri Lanka, beginning June 25 in North Sound, Antigua. Both players had missed the previous Tests against India and New Zealand due to injuries. Their return strengthens the pace attack.
The squad also includes left-handed batter Amir Jangoo and wicketkeeper-batter Joshua Da Silva. Jangoo has played in only one Test for the Windies, scoring 30 runs against Pakistan last January. Da Silva returns after last playing in the Bangladesh series in late 2024. With 33 Tests and over 1200 runs at an average of 24.76, including a century and five fifties, he has been recalled following strong performances in domestic Cricket.
Da Silva scored 996 runs over the last two seasons of the West Indies Championship, finishing as the leading run-scorer this year with 413 runs in seven innings at an average of 59.00, which included a century and two fifties. Jangoo was the second-highest run-scorer with 411 runs at an average of 68.50, featuring a century and a fifty.
Head coach Daren Sammy emphasized the need for the team to perform well against Sri Lanka.
“Each Test series is a chance for us to improve as a team and build our identity,” Sammy stated in a release from Cricket West Indies. “Sri Lanka is a strong side, and we must be at our best. We’re looking forward to the challenge.”
“It’s essential to play with discipline and show character during tough moments, all while representing the West Indies with pride. The players have been working hard, and we aim to deliver a strong performance for our supporters in the Caribbean.”
West Indies squad for Test series against Sri Lanka
Roston Chase (c), Jomel Warrican (vice-captain), John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Joshua Da Silva (wk), Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Shai Hope, Amir Jangoo, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Anderson Phillip, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales