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Shai Hope Returns As West Indies Announce Playing XI For 1st Test vs Australia

Aashay Chopade

Shai Hope in Test cricket (Source:@ICC/X.com)Shai Hope in Test cricket (Source:@ICC/X.com)

West Indies are all set to start a new Test era under Roston Chase with a three-match series against Australia. They have made some key changes to the squad and have now announced the playing XI for the first Test, which sees a return of Shai Hope after four years.

Brandon King is also set to make his Test debut and is likely to bat at number four while, John Campbell has been preferred over Mikyle Louis to open alongside Kraigg Brathwaite. Keacy Carty, on the other hand, will continue to bat at 3.

Roston Chase Opts For Pace-Heavy Bowling Attack In Barbados

On the bowling front, the Windies have opted to play only one frontline spinner, Jomel Warrican. Their captain, Roston Chase, is a genuine all-round option and adds balance to the squad. The Barbados pitch is expected to assist fast bowlers and Alzarri Joseph will lead the pace attack, which includes Shamar Joseph and Jayden Seales. They also have an option of Justin Greaves, a seam-bowling all-rounder.

Thus, West Indies have a good blend of youth and experience in their squad and would like to start the new WTC cycle on a positive note. Their batting has been a big issue in the longest format, and Windies would hope that the inclusion of Shai Hope as wicketkeeper will provide more stability.

Earlier, Australia also announced their playing XI for the Test and have made two changes from the XI that played in the WTC final against South Africa. The opening Test will start on June 25 at Kensington Oval and West Indies would be facing Australia for the first time in the longest format since their famous Gabba win in January 2024.

West Indies Playing XI For 1st Test vs Australia

Kraigg Brathwaite, John Campbell,  Keacy Carty, Brandon King, Roston Chase (C), Shai Hope (wk), Justin Greaves, Jomel Warrican, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales