King gets first-time Test selection - Campbell, Hope, Carty back in the fold for Australia series

ST JOHN'S, Antigua:

Jamaicans Brandon King and John Campbell have been named by Cricket West Indies in a 16-member West Indies squad for the upcoming three-match Test series against Australia.

King, a member of the white-ball squad, is set to make his Test debut, while fellow opener Campbell also makes his return to the squad.

Other key batsmen who have been named in the squad are West Indies white-ball captain Shai Hope and One Day International (ODI) batting sensation Keacy Carty, both of whom are set to make their return to Test cricket.

The series against Australia will be at home later this month, starting on June 25 at Kensington Oval in Barbados.

Hope, who recently turned down the opportunity to be Test captain, last played a Test match for West Indies in 2021 against Sri Lanka at Galle.

He has played 38 Tests and scored 1,726 runs at an average of 25.01, with two centuries and five 50s.

The 28-year-old Carty has played five Test matches since making his debut against South Africa last year.

All-rounder Kevlon Anderson has been given a maiden call up to the senior team following a string of impressive performances in the Regional 4-Day competition, along with pacer Johann Layne, a 21-year-old product of the West Indies Academy, who claimed 63 first-class wickets in 17 matches.

Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph, and Shamar Joseph headline the fast-bowling attack, which will be without the services of veteran pacer Kemar Roach, who has not been included in the squad.

It will be the first Test series in charge for newly-named captain Roston Chase, with Jomel Warrican as his deputy.

West Indies head coach Daren Sammy said he was excited about the new additions to the squad.

"We analysed what the top teams in the world are doing and what is needed for us to bridge the gap," said Sammy.

"We have identified a direction, along with the group of players and resources to give us the best advantage as we seek to take the team up ladder and challenge the best in the world," he added.

"I'm excited about the inclusion of young prospect Kevlon Anderson, who comes in after solid seasons in our domestic competitions to help provide stability in the top order, while the return of Shai Hope is welcomed given his consistency in white ball cricket.

"Brandon King's inclusion fits a role we have identified that needs special focus to take our team to those closer to the top of the rankings," he further added.

Sammy also asked for patience from the fans, assuring them that they could look forward to an exciting brand of cricket.

"I am truly looking forward to this series because we want to start off strongly and make our home turf a fortress during this cycle, while having our passionate and proud fans behind us.

"The matches will be challenging, but I believe in this core of players, and they are eager to wear the maroon and make our fans happy," Sammy said.

-CMC