Only 1 IPL 2025 player included as West Indies announce squad for WI vs AUS Tests

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced the men's team's squad for the home three-Test series against Australia, beginning June 25 at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. Opener Brandon King has earned his inclusion for the first time, while Shamar Joseph was the only player from IPL 2025 to be included in the squad.

Opener John Campbell returned to the fold after slamming 517 runs in six matches during the first-class competition for Jamaica, as did Keacy Carty on the back of his ODI form. Shai Hope, who hasn't played a Test since 2021, has also been recalled, while Kevlon Anderson is one of the two uncapped players in the squad. Anderson, a top-order batter, averages a healthy 46.53 in 22 first-class matches with five tons.

Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph, and Shamar Joseph will handle the fast-bowling department. Twenty-one-year-old Johann Layne is the other uncapped player, having claimed 63 wickets in 17 first-class games. Veteran pacer Kemar Roach is a notable exclusion.

West Indies squad: Roston Chase (c), Jomel Warrican (vc), Kevlon Anderson, Kraigg Brathwaite, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Johann Layne, Mikyle Louis, Anderson Phillip, Jayden Seales.

"We analyzed what the top teams in the world are doing and what is needed for us to bridge the gap" - West Indies coach

Darren Sammy. (Image Credits: Getty)

West Indies head coach Darren Sammy expects the uncapped Kevlon Anderson to provide the much-needed stability at the top of the order and believes Shai Hope deserved an opportunity following his consistency in white-ball cricket. Sammy said, as quoted by the official website:

"We analyzed what the top teams in the world are doing and what is needed for us to bridge the gap. We have identified a direction, along with the group of players and resources to give us the best advantage as we seek to take the team up ladder and challenge the best in the world. I'm excited about the inclusion of young prospect Kevlon Anderson, who comes in after solid seasons in our domestic competitions to help provide stability in the top order, while the return of Shai Hope is welcomed given his consistency in white ball cricket. Brandon King’s inclusion fits a role we have identified that needs special focus to take our team to those closer to the top of the rankings."

Australia will play a Test series in the West Indies for the first time since 2015.