West Indies announce their Test squad for James Anderson's farewell series; Jason Holder and young pacer make comeback

West Indies on June 4 announced their squad for three-Test series against England scheduled to be played in July. Uncapped opening batter Mikyle Louis has been picked in the squad. The first Test of the series at the Lord’s starting July 10 will be legendary England pacer James Anderson's farewell Test.
 

Alzarri Joseph has been named as Kraigg Brathwaite's deputy. Young pacer Jayden Seales and all-rounder Jason Holder are making a comeback. Seales missed the Test series against Australia due to an injury whereas Holder pulled out of the tour.
 

The 23-year-old Loius has been picked on the back of impressive performances in his debut First-Class season. He has scored 682 runs from seven games at an average of 48.71 including three centuries and four fifties in the red-ball format.

"The squad has been shaped with both experience and emerging talent, ensuring a strong balance as we face the challenge of playing in English conditions," Cricket West Indies (CWI) chief selector Desmond Haynes said. 
 

"Over the past year, our red-ball program has continued to develop. Following our victory in the last Test in Australia in January, it is evident that we are seeing the fruits of that investment. Each player selected has earned their place through consistent performances and hard work. We are confident that this blend of seasoned players and emerging faces will perform admirably against England."
 

In addition, 19-year-old Isai Thorne will travel with the squad as a development player. The young pacer bagged 31 wickets from eight games at an average of 16.29 in his debut First-Class season.
 

West Indies Test squad for England tour: 

Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Alick Athanaze, Joshua Da Silva, Jason Holder, Kavem Hodge, Tevin Imlach, Alzarri Joseph (vc), Shamar Joseph, Mikyle Louis, Zachary McCaskie, Kirk McKenzie, Gudakesh Motie, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Kevin Sinclair

 

ALSO READ: Hardik Pandya depicted as West Indian cricketer in a massive blooper by T20 World Cup broadcasters, Photo goes viral
 

England looking to rise from the bottom

England are currently at the bottom of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 points table with just 21 points from 10 Tests including three wins. After a famous win at the Gabba, West Indies are in the sixth place.
 

MORE ON SPORTS TAK:

Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya put rift rumours to rest, re-unite in fiery nets session ahead of India's T20 World Cup opener vs Ireland

Jos Buttler engages in heated exchange with journalist ahead of England's T20 WC opener, says 'I don’t need to sit here and tell you..'