West Indies Test Squad Announced – Australia Tour 2025 Begins

West Indies Name 16-Member Test Squad for Home Series Against Australia

A New Era Begins: West Indies Name Test Squad for Australia Series

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has officially announced a bold and refreshed West Indies Test squad for the upcoming three-match home series against Australia, marking the beginning of the 2025–2027 ICC World Test Championship cycle. The first Test is scheduled for June 25 at the historic Kensington Oval in Barbados, followed by fixtures in Grenada and Jamaica. With a focus on rebuilding and performance-driven selections, the squad reflects a strategic pivot toward consistency, resilience, and upward mobility in the red-ball format.

The tour presents not only a high-profile showdown with Australia for the Sir Frank Worrell Trophy but also signals the beginning of a long-term mission to reclaim the Caribbean’s proud legacy in Test cricket.

Youth Meets Experience in West Indies Test Squad

The 16-member squad, led by Roston Chase and vice-captain Jomel Warrican, blends proven performers with a group of emerging talents who have impressed across domestic and A-team circuits. Kevlon Anderson, after back-to-back standout seasons in regional cricket, earns a richly deserved maiden Test call-up. The 23-year-old Guyanese top-order batter has caught the selectors' eye with his technique and temperament, registering multiple centuries in the last two years and demonstrating the qualities needed for long-format success.

Also included is Brandon King, primarily known for his aggressive limited-overs batting, who has been tasked with adapting his attacking flair into a more controlled Test role. Coach Daren Sammy confirmed that King’s inclusion is part of a “strategic role” within the batting unit, one identified as critical for bridging innings and shifting momentum.

Shai Hope, a familiar name in West Indies cricket, returns to the Test side after a considerable absence. Known for his calm presence and consistent white-ball form, Hope’s selection indicates a renewed effort to inject stability and class into the middle order. His ability to read the game and absorb pressure could be vital against Australia’s world-class bowling attack.

Fast Bowling Firepower Headlines Bowling Unit

The West Indies Test squad is stacked with promising fast bowling options, underlining the team’s intent to take the game to Australia with raw pace and bounce. Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph, and Shamar Joseph form a potent trio, each capable of delivering game-changing spells. Seales has recovered from injury and returns as a spearhead, while Shamar Joseph continues to rise rapidly following his heroics in Australia earlier this year, where he stunned the hosts with a match-winning spell in Brisbane.

Backing up the frontline trio are Anderson Phillip, who recently took a five-wicket haul for West Indies A, and Johann Layne, the 21-year-old sensation from the West Indies Academy. Layne, with 63 wickets in 17 first-class games, adds depth and excitement to the squad. His inclusion is a testament to CWI’s development pipeline and the confidence they’re placing in nurturing local fast bowling talent.

The spin department will be led by skipper Roston Chase and the experienced Jomel Warrican, with both players offering control and variation — attributes that will be especially valuable on worn pitches later in each Test.

Selectorial Philosophy: Building a Competitive Core

Speaking about the selections, CWI Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe emphasized the importance of momentum and long-term planning. “We are entering a new Test Championship cycle, and this squad reflects our intent to climb the rankings. The inclusion of consistent domestic performers like Anderson, and experienced players like Hope, shows our commitment to execution and growth.”

Head Coach Daren Sammy, now settled into his red-ball coaching role, was equally optimistic. “We studied the world’s top Test teams to understand what’s working. The squad we’ve selected is built around pressure management, resilience, and clarity of role.”

Sammy also praised the selection panel for identifying the right blend. “I'm particularly excited about Kevlon Anderson. He reminds me of the kind of batters the Caribbean used to produce regularly—disciplined, composed, and hungry. We’re also excited about what King can do in the longer format. We’ve been preparing him for a transition and this is a great opportunity.”

Notable Omissions and Fresh Inclusions

While the squad is packed with energy and intent, one notable absentee is Kemar Roach, the veteran pacer who remains under consideration but was not included. His omission was communicated respectfully, with CWI indicating that the door remains open should form and fitness align in future series.

Returning opener John Campbell, following a solid domestic season, adds experience at the top. He will likely partner Kraigg Brathwaite, whose technique and temperament continue to be valuable assets in the opening role.

Also returning is Keacy Carty, whose form in ODIs earned him another chance in the longest format. Justin Greaves, Tevin Imlach, and Mikyle Louis provide additional batting and wicketkeeping depth.

The Road Ahead: Australia and Beyond

Facing Australia in the Caribbean is never a simple task. The visiting side will arrive with firepower in both batting and bowling. However, West Indies’ home advantage, coupled with a fresh and fearless squad, sets the stage for a hard-fought series.

More importantly, the series marks a fresh beginning. For West Indies Test cricket, the 2025–27 WTC cycle isn’t just another competition — it’s a mission to reclaim identity, rebuild stature, and remind the world of what Caribbean cricket once meant and what it could mean again.

Full Schedule: West Indies vs Australia Test Series 2025

1st Test: 25–29 June, Kensington Oval, Barbados
2nd Test: 3–7 July, National Stadium, Grenada
3rd Test: 12–16 July, Sabina Park, Jamaica (Day/Night)