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West Indies have announced a 15-member squad for their two-Test series against Bangladesh, with white-ball captain Shai Hope rested and fast bowler Alzarri Joseph withdrawn following a medical assessment. Young Barbados batter Kevin Wickham has earned his maiden Test call-up after a strong run in domestic cricket.
The series, scheduled to begin on October 28, 2026, will be West Indies’ final assignment in the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. Roston Chase will continue to lead the Test side, with Jomel Warrican named vice-captain.
Hope has been rested after an extended period playing across all three international formats. Cricket West Indies is managing his workload and well-being ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier scheduled for February 2027.
Hope remains an important figure in West Indies cricket, particularly in limited-overs formats. His absence from the Bangladesh Tests means the selectors will have to rely on the available specialist batters and all-rounders for the two-match assignment.
The decision is part of workload management rather than an announcement of a new injury.
Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has been withdrawn from the squad following a routine medical assessment and consultation with specialists.
Cricket West Indies said the decision was taken with Joseph’s agreement to manage his workload and reduce the risk associated with consecutive Test matches. The board highlighted the physical demands of bowling repeated high-intensity spells over extended periods in red-ball cricket.
Joseph has not been ruled out of shorter formats. He will continue working with the Cricket West Indies medical team and specialists as preparations continue for his return to the longer format.
All-rounder Keemo Paul has been named as Joseph’s replacement for the Bangladesh series.
One of the biggest developments in the squad announcement is the inclusion of 23-year-old Barbados batter Kevin Wickham, who has received his first senior Test call-up.
Wickham earned selection after an outstanding run in the 2026 West Indies Championship, scoring three consecutive centuries for Barbados: 105, 153 and an unbeaten 108. He finished the competition with 393 runs at an average of 78.60.
His performances have rewarded him with an opportunity to establish himself at international level. Wickham will compete for a place in a batting group that includes experienced players and several options capable of contributing across the middle order.
The Bangladesh series will provide an important opportunity for the newcomer to adapt to the demands of international red-ball cricket.
Opening batter John Campbell has returned after recovering from the hamstring injury that kept him out of West Indies’ home Test series against Pakistan.
His return adds experience to the top order ahead of a challenging away assignment. The squad also includes Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Brandon King, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge and wicketkeeper-batters Joshua Da Silva and Amir Jangoo.
The bowling attack features experienced campaigners Kemar Roach and Shamar Joseph, alongside Jayden Seales, while Warrican and Joshua Bishop provide specialist spin options.
Batters and wicketkeepers: John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Joshua Da Silva, Amir Jangoo, Brandon King, Kevin Wickham.
All-rounders: Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Keemo Paul, Roston Chase (captain).
Bowlers: Joshua Bishop, Shamar Joseph, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Jomel Warrican (vice-captain).
The squad comprises 15 players, as announced by Cricket West Indies.
The first Test is scheduled for October 28 to November 1 in Mirpur, followed by the second Test in Sylhet from November 5 to 9.
West Indies enter the series looking to finish their WTC campaign strongly. Head coach Daren Sammy has stressed the importance of improving the team’s position in the standings, although the side is no longer in contention for a place in the final.
Bangladesh will have home conditions in their favour and will look to capitalise on the visitors’ changes. For West Indies, the series is an opportunity to assess emerging talent, manage key players’ workloads and finish the WTC cycle with positive performances.
Sportstar, The Hindu — West Indies Test squad vs Bangladesh: Shai Hope and Alzarri Joseph rested
Cricket West Indies — Kevin Wickham earns maiden Test call-up for Bangladesh tour
ICC — Key duo missing as West Indies name Test squad for Bangladesh
India Today — West Indies rest Shai Hope for Bangladesh Tests
