The West Indies Test squad, set to begin their 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship cycle, features a blend of experience and new talent under new leadership.
Roston Chase has been appointed the new Test captain, despite not having played a Test match in over two years. This decision, made after a “groundbreaking selection process” by Cricket West Indies, highlights their strategic shift. He will be supported by Jomel Warrican as the vice-captain, an experienced left-arm spinner.
The squad for the upcoming three-match Test series against Australia, starting June 25, 2025, in Barbados, includes several familiar faces. Kraigg Brathwaite, who stepped down as captain in March, remains a key opener alongside John Campbell, who makes a return to the Test setup. Shai Hope, the current white-ball captain, has been recalled to the Test squad for the first time since December 2021, though he respectfully declined consideration for the Test captaincy to focus on his existing leadership roles.
The pace attack is expected to feature Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph, and the exciting Shamar Joseph, who made a sensational start to his Test career in January 2024. Newcomers to the Test squad include batsmen Kevlon Anderson and Brandon King, who earns his maiden Test call-up. Wicketkeeping duties will likely be handled by Shai Hope and Tevin Imlach. Additionally, young pacer Johann Layne and Anderson Phillip have been called up to reinforce the fast-bowling options. Other squad members include Justin Greaves and Mikyle Louis. Notably, veteran pacer Kemar Roach has been omitted from the squad, and Joshua Da Silva and Alick Athanaze are also notable omissions despite recent domestic performances
| PLAYER NAME | ROLE | STYLE | JERSEY NO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roston Chase (Captain) | Allrounder | Batting: Right-hand bat Bowling: Right-arm off-break | 10 |
| Jomel Warrican (Vice Captain) | Bowler | Batting: Right hand Bat Bowling:Right arm Offbreak | 1 |
| Kraigg Brathwaite | Batter | Batting: Right-hand bat Bowling: Right-arm off-break | 92 |
| Jason Holder | Allrounder | Batting: Right-hand bat Bowling: Right arm Fast medium | 98 |
| Joshua Da Silva | Wicket-keeper | Batting: Right-hand bat Bowling: – | 35 |
| Alzarri Joseph | Bowler | Batting: Right-hand bat Bowling: Right arm Fast | 18 |
| Gudakesh Motie | Bowler | Batting: Left-hand bat Bowling: Slow Left arm Orthodox | 64 |
| Kemar Roach | Bowler | Batting: Right-hand bat Bowling: Right arm Fast medium | 24 |
| Alick Athanaze | Allrounder | Batting: Left-hand bat Bowling: Right-arm off-break | 18 |
| Kirk McKenzie | Batter | Batting:Left hand Bat Bowling:Right arm Offbreak | 54 |
| Justin Greaves | Allrounder | Batting:Right hand Bat Bowling:Right arm Medium | 66 |
| Kavem Hodge | Allrounder | Batting:Right hand Bat Bowling:Slow Left arm Orthodox | 22 |
| Shamar Joseph | Bowler | Batting:Left hand Bat Bowling:Right arm Fast medium | 70 |
| Kevin Sinclair | Bowler | Batting:Right hand Bat Bowling:Right arm Offbreak | 77 |
| Keacy Carty | Batter | Batting:Right hand Bat Bowling:Right arm Medium | 96 |
| Amir Jangoo | Wicketkeeper Batter | Batting:Left hand Bat | |
| Mikyle Louis | Batter | Batting:Right hand Bat Bowling:Legbreak Googly | 80 |
| Tevin Imlach | Batter | Batting:Right hand Bat | |
| Anderson Phillip | Bowler | Batting:Right hand Bat Bowling:Right arm Fast medium | 48 |
| Jayden Seales | Bowler | Batting:Left hand Bat Bowling:Right arm Fast medium | 33 |
ABOUT THE WEST INDIES TEST SQUAD
Captain – Roston Chase
Vice Captain – Jomel Warrican
Head Coach – Daren Sammy
Batting /Bowling Coach – Carl Hooper, Kemar Roach
Fielding Coach – James Franklin
History and Key Events
The West Indies cricket team emerged from inter-island matches in the 1880s, gaining full Test status in 1928. Their first Test victory came in 1930 against England, followed by their first home series win in 1934-35. The 1950s saw the rise of legendary spinners Sonny Ramadhin and Alf Valentine. Frank Worrell’s captaincy in the 1960s was a social milestone, shaping a world-class team known for the first tied Test in 1960-61.
The 1970s and 1980s were an era of unparalleled dominance under Clive Lloyd, with two World Cup wins (1975, 1979) and a Test record of 27 matches undefeated, including 11 consecutive victories. The 1990s and 2000s marked a decline due to player retirements and disputes. However, the 2010s brought renewed success in T20 cricket, with World Cup victories in 2012 and 2016. Recent events include an Academy series in June 2025 and the West Indies Men’s team facing Australia for the Sir Frank Worrell Trophy, with Roston Chase newly appointed Test captain.
Records and Achievements
The West Indies cricket team boasts an impressive array of records and achievements:
- World Cup (50-over): Won in 1975 and 1979.
- ICC Champions Trophy: Won in 2004.
- ICC World Twenty20/ICC Men’s T20 World Cup: Won in 2012 and 2016.
- ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup: Won in 2016.
- Test Series Dominance: From the late 1970s through the 1980s, the West Indies were recognized as unofficial world champions, holding the title throughout the 1980s. This team is considered one of the best in Test cricket history.
- Set a then-record streak of 11 consecutive Test victories in 1984.
- Set a still-standing record of 27 Tests without defeat.
- Inflicted two 5–0 “blackwashes” against England.
- Australia has held the Frank Worrell Trophy against the West Indies for 30 years, not losing a series since 1995.
Famous Players
The West Indies has produced numerous cricketing legends:
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- George Headley: Prolific batsman, known for centuries in both innings at Lord’s.
- Learie Constantine: All-rounder, instrumental in early successes.
- Sonny Ramadhin & Alf Valentine: Formidable spinning duo.
- Clyde Walcott, Everton Weekes, Garry Sobers: Part of the legendary “3 Ws,” Sobers held the world record for highest Test score (365*).
- Frank Worrell: First black full-series captain, molded the team into a global power.
- Clive Lloyd: Captained the dominant era, leading to two World Cup wins.
- Vivian Richards: One of the greatest batsmen, known for aggressive style.
- Pace Quartet: Malcolm Marshall, Andy Roberts, Michael Holding, and Joel Garner formed a fearsome fast-bowling attack.
- Brian Lara: Held the world record for highest individual Test score twice (375 and 400*), and 501* in first-class cricket.
- Chris Gayle: A T20 pioneer, known for explosive hitting.
- Carlos Brathwaite: Famous for hitting four consecutive sixes to win the 2016 T20 World Cup.
- Shamar Joseph: Recent hero, with a seven-wicket haul against Australia in 2024.
FAQs
Roston Chase has been appointed the new Test captain, despite not having played a Test match in over two years.
Jomel Warrican, an experienced left-arm spinner, is the vice-captain.
Daren Sammy is the Head Coach.
Carl Hooper and Kemar Roach serve as the Batting/Bowling Coaches.
James Franklin is the Fielding Coach.
Upcoming Series & Squad Selection
The three-match Test series against Australia starts on June 25, 2025, in Barbados.
Kraigg Brathwaite, who recently stepped down as captain, remains a key opener. John Campbell also makes a return, and Shai Hope has been recalled for the first time since December 2021.
Yes, batsmen Kevlon Anderson and Brandon King (receiving his maiden Test call-up) are new additions. Young pacers Johann Layne and Anderson Phillip have also been called up.
Veteran pacer Kemar Roach has been omitted, along with Joshua Da Silva and Alick Athanaze, despite their recent domestic performances.
Wicketkeeping duties will likely be handled by Shai Hope and Tevin Imlach.
Historical Achievements & Records
The 1970s and 1980s under Clive Lloyd were an era of unparalleled dominance, where they were considered unofficial world champions.
The West Indies set a then-record streak of 11 consecutive Test victories in 1984.
They set a still-standing record of 27 Tests without defeat.
They won the World Cup twice, in 1975 and 1979.
They have won the T20 World Cup twice, in 2012 and 2016, being the first team to do so.
Key Players & Recent Performances
Shamar Joseph is an exciting young pacer who made a sensational start to his Test career in January 2024, notably taking a seven-wicket haul against Australia at the Gabba to secure a historic West Indies victory.
Shai Hope respectfully declined consideration for the Test captaincy to focus on his existing leadership roles as the white-ball captain.