West Indies include seven uncapped players for Australia Tests

Cricket West Indies (CWI) have announced wholesome changes to the Test squad for the upcoming series against Australia, with seven uncapped players being in the squad. While the likes of Jason Holder and Kyle Mayers have made themselves unavailable, many players who played against India earlier this year - Jermaine Blackwood, Raymon Reifer, Rahkeem Cornwall, Shannon Gabriel and Jomel Warrican - have been left out.

"The squad has been affected by the unavailability of some key players," Desmond Haynes, CWI Lead Selector, said. 

"However, we have had a very strong red-ball program being run over the past year, which has unearthed significant talent throughout the region. The selected players have passed each test given to them and must now be given the opportunity to showcase their skills in the Test arena. Australia away is always a challenge, but we are confident in our team."

Kriagg Brathwaite will lead the side in Australia whereas Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Alick Athanaze, Joshua da Silva, and Alzarri Joseph will be making the crux of the squad. In a new development, Joseph has been named Brathwaite’s deputy. 

West Indies are slated to play a four-day warm-up game in Australia before the first Test that starts on January 17 in Adelaide. The second Test will be played under lights from January 25 at the Gabba.

West Indies Squad: Kriagg Brathwaite (C), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Alick Athanaze, Kirk McKenzie, Joshua da Silva, Alzarri Joseph (VC), Kemar Roach, Kevin Sinclair, Kavem Hodge, Justin Greaves, Akeem Jordan, Gudakesh Motie, Tevin Imlach. Shamar Joseph, Zachary McCaskie