CWI Names 15-Man Squad for New Zealand Tests; Maiden Call-up for Ojay Shields Amid Joseph Brothers’ Absence
ST JOHN’S, Antigua: Cricket West Indies (CWI) on Thursday announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match away Test series against New Zealand, marking the return of seasoned speedster Kemar Roach to the national side. The series, which is part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle, is scheduled to run from December 1 to 21.
Roach, who has represented the West Indies in 85 Tests since his debut in 2009, was recalled to bolster a pace attack depleted by injury. Regular pacers Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph remain unavailable as they continue to rehabilitate from injuries sustained earlier this year.
The CWI confirmed that the 37-year-old Roach’s inclusion is intended to add much-needed experience to an otherwise inexperienced fast-bowling unit, which also features a new face Kemar Roach returns after his last appearance earlier this year during the Pakistan Test tour. The squad includes Ojay Shields, who received his maiden call-up to the Test squad.
In an official statement, the CWI noted: “With Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph both rehabilitating from injuries sustained earlier this year, and therefore forced to miss this series, veteran fast bowler Kemar Roach has been recalled, bolstering an inexperienced fast-bowling unit featuring maiden call-up, Ojay Shields.”
Both Roach and Shields were among several players who recently completed a “rigorous two-week high-performance camp in Antigua” specifically in preparation for the series, where playing surfaces are expected to be conducive to pace-bowling.
In another squad change, all-rounder Kavem Hodge has replaced fellow all-rounder Khary Pierre. This selection reflects the team’s strategy to counter the anticipated conditions in New Zealand.
“Kavem Hodge makes his return to the regional squad on the back of his previous success against pace, while Khary Pierre has been excluded with spin-bowling not expected to have a major impact over the three-match series,” the CWI statement added.
The Test series will commence on December 1 in Christchurch. The second and third fixtures will be played in Wellington and Mount Maunganui, respectively, as the West Indies seek crucial points in the World Test Championship standings.
West Indies squad for Test series against New Zealand: Roston Chase (c), Jomel Warrican (vc), Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, Brandon King, Johann Layne, Anderson Phillip, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Ojay Shields
