West Indies announced a strong squad for the 2-match Test series against Sri Lanka, and it sees the return of the pace duo of Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph. These two Tests will be part of the ICC World Test Championship series for the cycle 2025-27. The two players haven’t featured at the Test level since July in 2025, but they return as part of the 15-player squad that will take on Sri Lanka in two Tests from June 25th.
Joshua Da Silva and Amir Jangoo also earn recalls following strong performances at the domestic level, with Roston Chase set to once again lead the side as the captain as the West Indies will try to find some form in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle. Antigua will host both the Test matches at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
Daren Sammy comments on the challenges ahead for the West Indies.Â
West Indies head coach Daren Sammy is firmly looking forward to the opportunity that awaits his side. Speaking to reporters, he said, “Every Test series is an opportunity for us to grow as a team and strengthen our identity.”Â
Daren Sammy further added, “Sri Lanka are a quality side, so we know we’ll have to be at our best, but we’re excited about the challenge ahead.”Â
He observed, “For us, it’s about playing with discipline, showing character when the game gets tough, and representing the West Indies with pride. The players have been putting in the work, and we’re looking forward to putting on a strong display for our fans across the Caribbean.”Â
West Indies Squad for 2-Match Test series against Sri Lanka.Â
Roston Chase (c), John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Joshua Da Silva, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Shai Hope, Amir Jangoo, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Anderson Phillip, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Jomel Warrican.
Series Schedule
1st Test: June 25- 29, Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua.
2nd Test: July 3-7, Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua.
An Interesting Series On the Cards
West Indies will look to make amends in this current WTC cycle of 2025-27. They have had a disastrous time so far, losing to Australia at home 0-3 before going to India and losing there 0-2. They also went to New Zealand, and while they managed to draw a Test match, they lost the subsequent two matches to lose the series 0-2. West Indies languish in 9th and last place as we speak, with a percentage of 4.17. They have played 8 Test matches, out of which 7 were lost and one Drawn.
They are up against Sri Lanka, who have just played one series, and that was at home in a 2-match series against Bangladesh. They drew the first Test match before winning the second one, and so they, with a percentage of 66.67, are sitting in 3rd place as we speak. But the sample size for Sri Lanka is too small, compared to other nations that have played a lot more matches. Sri Lanka still has to play 5 series in this cycle. The table is a bit lopsided, but it does not hide the fact that the West Indies have more work to do than Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka too will be keen to win the series, as the West Indies as an opponent is easier to face than other opposition that the Lankans will have to face. It’s been quite a while since Sri Lanka last played a Test match or series, as they have been involved in a lot of white-ball cricket lately. So, it will be interesting to see how the visitors adapt to the conditions and the squad announced by the West Indies.
All in all, an interesting series in prospect for all of us starting on June 25th as the West Indies looks to get some wins to boost their confidence a wee bit. Sri Lanka, though, may start the series as favourites. Let’s see how things unfold in this 2-Test series.
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