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 

May 16, 2025 marked the beginning of a new era for West Indies cricket as it named Roston Chase as the Test captain. The 33-year-old all-rounder, who had not played Test cricket since March 2023, replaces Kraigg Brathwaite, who was a consistent leader, particularly in setting the record of most consecutive Test matches played, previously held by Garfield Sobers with 86 matches.

Chase, who has 49 Tests under his belt, is renowned for his match-winning performances, including his 2016 heroics against India when he hit an unbeaten 137 and took 5 for 121 to help England snatch a thriller of a draw. Head coach Daren Sammy has poured his entire backing into Chase, praising his leadership skills and appealing to the cricket world to support the new captain as the team sets out to build a bright future, with spinner Jomel Warrican named vice-captain.

A Challenging Road Ahead

Chase is presented with a direct challenge as captain in the form of a three-Test series against Australia, starting June 25, 2025, at Bridgetown—a stiff task for someone coming back to the format after more than two years. The West Indies have demonstrated that they are capable of hanging with Australia as they drew a series 1-1 in 2024, which had a historic 8-run win in the second Test, their first on Australian soil since 1997.

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Chase is currently also a member of the West Indies team for a white-ball tour of England, beginning May 29, that offers a crucial chance to find match rhythm before the Test series. With his established record as an all-rounder and the approval of the coaching staff, Chase can become the leader who guides West Indies into a new era of Test cricket. The coming series against Australia will provide the turning point for Chase to demonstrate his worth and motivate the team to capitalize on their recent achievements.

India’s T20 World Cup victory in 2024 were a triumph of skill, strategy, and sheer determination. Among the many highlights of the tournament, one moment stood out: Suryakumar Yadav’s stunning catch to dismiss David Miller in the final. Fielding, often an underrated aspect of cricket, played a crucial role in this victory, exemplifying the saying that “catches win matches.”

The crucial moment

With South Africa needing 16 runs from the final over, the pressure was palpable. The crowd at the stadium and millions of viewers around the world held their breath. India’s skipper, Rohit Sharma, turned to Hardik Pandya to bowl the decisive over, hoping his experience and nerve would see India through.

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Suryakumar Yadav’s stunning catch

Hardik Pandya bowled a wide-ish full toss that David Miller struck powerfully down the park. The ball seemed destined to clear the boundary, but Suryakumar Yadav had other plans. He leaped into action, catching the ball mid-air with remarkable precision. As his momentum carried him out of play, Surya had the presence of mind to release the ball back into the air, find his balance, and jump back inside the ropes to complete the catch. This jaw-dropping effort sent Miller back to the dugout and gave India a massive advantage in the dying moments of the game.

Impact on the game

The dismissal of David Miller was a turning point. South Africa, just moments away from a potential victory, found themselves reeling from the blow. Suryakumar’s catch shifted the momentum entirely, and India went on to win the match by 7 runs, securing their place as T20 World Cup champions.

ICC recognition

The ICC recognized Suryakumar Yadav’s catch as one of the best in the T20 World Cup 2024. This acknowledgment places his effort alongside other incredible catches, highlighting its significance in the context of the tournament.

Other memorable catches

Among the best catches of the tournament were Axar Patel’s one-handed stunner to dismiss Mitchell Marsh, Gulbadin Naib’s spectacular grab, Roston Chase’s diving effort, Steven Taylor’s wonderful catch against Pakistan, and Aiden Markram’s backward dive. Each of these catches had its moment of glory, but Suryakumar’s effort in the final stands out due to its timing and impact.

Player reactions

Suryakumar Yadav expressed his joy and gratitude in post-match interviews, acknowledging the team effort that led to their victory. Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya also praised Surya’s catch, emphasizing its significance in their win. The team celebrated this moment, understanding its pivotal role in their triumph.

Suryakumar Yadav’s catch will be remembered as one of the defining moments in T20 World Cup history. Comparable to other famous catches in World Cup history, this moment will be etched in the memories of cricket fans for years to come.