Cricket West Indies has announced a 16 player squad for their upcoming Test series against Australia, which starts later this month in Barbados. All-rounder Roston Chase has been named the new captain, and the team includes a few new names looking to make their mark in red ball cricket.

Brandon King, Kevlon Anderson, and fast bowler Johann Layne all known for their performances in white-ball matches have received their first-ever Test call ups. Shai Hope, who leads the white ball team, and opening batter John Campbell are also back in the squad. One of the biggest points is the absence of senior fast bowler Kemar Roach, who has not been picked for this series.

Head coach Daren Sammy spoke about the decision to include Brandon King, calling it an important to build a stronger Test side for the future. With Roach not in the squad, the fast-bowling responsibilities will now be handled by Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph, and Shamar Joseph. Chase, meanwhile, will take over as skipper for this important series.

Roston Chase has been appointed the new West Indies Test captain.

The appointment was unanimously approved by the CWI Board of Directors during its meeting held today, May 16, 2025.

Congratulations Roston - WI are rallying behind you!🌴🏏 pic.twitter.com/xfCRfc7A34

— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) May 16, 2025

“I believe in this group,” Sammy said. “We want to make playing at home a big advantage again, and for that, we need our fans to support us fully. It won’t be easy, but we’re ready for the challenge.”

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Several regular names are missing from the squad this time. Players like Joshua Da Silva, Alick Athanaze, Amir Jangoo, Kavem Hodge, Gudakesh Motie, and Kevin Sinclair have been left out. Da Silva’s exclusion came as a surprise to many, especially after he finished as the second-highest run-scorer in the West Indies Championship. Coach Sammy explained that the team is trying something new and wants to give chances to fresh talent as they look to build for the future.

The three-match Test series will begin on June 25 at Kensington Oval in Barbados. Interestingly, the third and final Test, which starts on July 12 at Sabina Park in Jamaica, will be a day-night match played with a pink ball. That game will also mark the beginning of both teams’ new World Test Championship (WTC) journey.

West Indies Test Squad for Australia Series 2025:

Roston Chase (Captain), Kraigg Brathwaite, Brandon King, Shamar Joseph, Justin Greaves, Jomel Warrican, Mikyle Louis, Alzarri Joseph, Kevlon Anderson, Jayden Seales, Shai Hope, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Johann Layne, Anderson Phillip, Tevin Imla

WI vs AUS Test Series 2025 Schedule