Windiescricket.com
West Indies recalled pacer Shannon Gabriel and left-handed batsman Darren Bravo for the second and final Test against the touring South African team.
After a dismal show in the first Test where the hosts lost by an innings and 63 runs in the first Test, the Cricket West Indies selection panel named a 13-member squad on the eve of the second Test.
Nkrumah Bonner misses out as he is not available for selection due to concussion protocol.
“Shannon Gabriel has been declared fully fit and as someone who was the spearhead of the attack before, he has returned to the 13-man squad.
With Bravo, we have someone who is an experienced batsman and gives us a quality batting option.
The team now has to play to the standard we know we’re capable of. We didn’t bat anywhere near to our potential in the first Test and we have to improve with the bat in this upcoming match.”, CWI chief selector Roger Harper, said on Thursday (June 17).
Captain Kraigg Brathwaite expressed positive signs as he was impressed with the debut of pacer Jayden Seales.
West Indies were bowled out for 97 and 162 in both innings of the first Test. Roston Chase top-scored with 62 with no other batsman managing to cross even 20 across both innings.
West Indies Test squad:
Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Jermaine Blackwood (vc), Darren Bravo, Roston Chase, Rahkeem Cornwall, Joshua Da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Kyle Mayers, Kieran Powell, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales
The second Test begins TODAY- June 18. The venue is Gros Islet, St Lucia. South Africa will move to 6th rank in ICC Team rankings in Test cricket if they secure or draw the second Test. West Indies which is currently at Rank 6 will get to keep their ranking if they win the second Test.