West Indies have recalled veteran fast bowler Kemar Roach and allrounder Kavem Hodge for their three-Test tour of New Zealand in December, strengthening a squad hit by injuries to frontline quicks Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph.
Roach, who last played a Test in January in Multan, brings invaluable experience with 85 caps to support an otherwise inexperienced pace unit. Among the newcomers is 29-year-old Ojay Shields, who earns his maiden Test call-up after impressing in recent training camps. Left-arm spinner Khary Pierre, however, has been dropped.
Cricket West Indies Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe said their Antigua high-performance camp was designed to replicate New Zealand’s pace-friendly conditions, emphasising the challenge awaiting the touring side. Roach, Shields, and other camp participants will link up with the Test squad on November 20 for a two-day warm-up match in Christchurch.
The series marks another chapter in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle, where West Indies currently sit at the bottom after losing all five matches they have played. New Zealand, yet to begin their WTC campaign, will kick off their cycle with this home assignment.
West Indies squad for tour of 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
