On Tuesday, July 9, the West Indies announced their playing eleven for the first Test against England, set to commence on Wednesday at Lord’s.
This Test marks West Indies’ return to action since their memorable 8-run victory over Australia at the Gabba in January. The Caribbean side aim to start their three-match series against England with a win.
The team has made three changes from their last Test lineup, dropping Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Justin Greaves, and Kevin Sinclair. Notably, Chanderpaul and Greaves are not part of the current Test squad.
In Chanderpaul’s absence, captain Kraigg Brathwaite will open with newcomer Mikyle Louis. Louis, who earned his first Test call-up after leading the run charts in the West Indies’ four-day championship, also shone in a recent warm-up match, scoring a fifty against County XI. At 23, Louis will become the first player from St Kitts to play Test cricket for the West Indies. Following the openers are Kirk McKenzie and Alick Athanaze.
Kavem Hodge, Joshua Da Silva, and former captain Jason Holder round out the middle order. Holder returns to international cricket after missing the T20 World Cup due to injury. Both Hodge and Da Silva impressed in the warm-up game, with Hodge scoring 112 in the first innings and Da Silva adding an unbeaten 51 in the second. Their partnership at the Gabba Test, which saw them add 149 runs after a precarious 64 for 5, was also pivotal.
The bowling attack features three pacers and one spinner. Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, and Jayden Seales make up the fast bowling trio, with Gudakesh Motie as the sole spinner. Seales has had a standout season in county cricket, taking 24 wickets in six games for Sussex.
West Indies Playing XI for the First Test Against England:
– Kraigg Brathwaite (c)
– Mikyle Louis
– Kirk McKenzie
– Alick Athanaze
– Kavem Hodge
– Jason Holder
– Joshua da Silva (wk)
– Gudakesh Motie
– Alzarri Joseph
– Shamar Joseph
– Jayden Seales
