New Delhi
West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder will miss the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh due to ongoing rehabilitation for his shoulder injury. Holder, a key player for the West Indies, is focusing on recovery and will not be part of the squad when the series begins on November 22 in Antigua.
In Holder’s absence, off-spinner Kevin Sinclair makes his return to the team after recovering from an injury that kept him out of the previous Test series. Right-arm pacer Anderson Phillip also returns to the squad for the first time since December 2022. Phillip has been impressive in domestic cricket, notably claiming a nine-wicket match haul for Lancashire in County Cricket. Alzarri Joseph, another fast bowler, is back after being rested for the South Africa series to manage his workload. Joseph was previously the vice-captain of the team, a role he continues to hold.
With Joseph’s return, Joshua Da Silva retains his position as vice-captain. Gudakesh Motie and uncapped Bryan Charles have been left out of the squad. Motie, who is currently playing in the T20I series against England, struggled in the South Africa series, taking just three wickets across two Tests. Charles, who did not debut in the South Africa series, has also been omitted.
The Test series will be followed by a two-day warm-up match against Bangladesh, led by Kraigg Brathwaite, at Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua today(Sunday) and on Nov-18. The first Test kicks off in Antigua on Nov 22.
