Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced a 13-man squad for the second and final Test against India. The hosts would be looking to level the series after a poor show in the series opener, which they lost by an innings and 141 runs. To level the Test series 1-1, West Indies have called up Kevin Sinclair for the first time in Tests and dropped Ramon Reifer, who batted at number three in the first Test.
However, Reefer will remain with the team as injury cover. He returned in the First Test with scores of 2 and 11 in two innings and in his absence, the West Indies would have to make changes in the batting order. Alik Athanaz, who impressed with 47 and 28 on his debut, could move up the order with Jermaine Blackwood continuing at number four. Furthermore, the fact that Sinclair has been handed the call-up makes it clear that Rahkeem could lose his place in the Cornwall team.
As far as off-spinner Sinclair is concerned, he has a good first-class record. He has so far taken 54 wickets in 18 matches at an average of 23.98. Sinclair is known for his heroics with the bat, scoring 756 runs at an average of 29.07, including six fifties to his name. The 23-year-old has already played seven ODIs and six T20Is for the West Indies, taking 11 and four wickets respectively.
Interestingly, West Indies have backed the same group of players apart from the only change mentioned above. After the defeat in the last game, the pressure will be on skipper Kraigg Brathwaite to ensure that his team is in the right position. The second Test between West Indies and India will be played at Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad from 20 July.
West Indies squad for the second Test: Kraigg Brathwaite (Captain), Jermaine Blackwood (Vice-Captain), Alick Athanazey, Tagenarin Chanderpaul, Rahkeem Cornwall, Joshua Da Silva (wicketkeeper), Shannon Gabriel, jason holderAlzarri Joseph, Kirk McKenzie, Kevin Sinclair, kemar roachjomel warrican
Travel Reserve: Tevin Imlach, Akeem Jordan
Injury Cover: Ramon Reefer