West Indies Cricket has shaken up its Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against Pakistan, with uncapped Barbadian left-arm spinner Joshua Bishop earning his first ever international call-up as one of two key adjustments to the roster. The series is scheduled to get underway on July 25 at Trinidad and Tobago’s newly upgraded Brian Lara Cricket Academy, a venue that will mark its own place in regional cricket history when it hosts its first ever Test match, becoming the 13th Test venue across the Caribbean.
Bishop’s promotion to the senior Test squad comes after three consecutive seasons of dominant, consistent performances in the West Indies’ regional first-class competition. Representing both Barbados Pride and the West Indies Academy over that stretch, the young spinner has claimed an impressive 91 wickets, earning him selection based on sustained domestic form.
Joining Bishop as a new addition to the squad is top-order batsman Kirk McKenzie, who returns to the West Indies Test set-up after a two-year absence. The Jamaica Scorpions batter has been in red-hot form in the 2024 truncated West Indies Championship, notching 323 runs across six innings at an outstanding average of 64.60, earning him a recall to the national side.
The two new inclusions come at the expense of two established players, who will miss the series due to different setbacks. Star fast bowler Alzarri Joseph is unavailable for selection for personal reasons, while opening batsman John Campbell will continue his recovery from a left hamstring strain. Campbell picked up the injury during the recently completed One-Day International series against New Zealand, ruling him out of the red-ball leg of the home summer.
Despite the two changes, the core of the West Indies squad that secured a 1-0 Test series victory over Sri Lanka earlier this month has been retained. This includes veteran fast bowler Kemar Roach, who made history in the Sri Lanka series by becoming just the fifth West Indies bowler of all time to reach the milestone of 300 Test wickets. Roach’s experience and recent form make him a key leader for the side heading into the Pakistan series.
The full 15-man West Indies squad for the Pakistan series is as follows: Roston Chase (Captain), Jomel Warrican (Vice-Captain), Joshua Bishop, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Joshua Da Silva, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Shai Hope, Amir Jangoo, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Kirk McKenzie, Keemo Paul, Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales.