ST JOHN’S, Antigua, – Denesh Ramdin has continued as a captain of a 15-man West Indies Test squad named yesterdayday for the tour of South Africa.
Speculation over his sacking as Test captain had abounded following his role in the abandoned tour of India last month, but selectors have stuck with the Trinidadian.
The side includes several of the players who were also involved in the controversial walk-out of the one-day tour.
Chairman of Selectors Clive Lloyd commented, “Of course at all times the Selection Panel aims to select the best and strongest team available. We look forward to this squad giving a good account of themselves for the three Tests in South Africa.”
“There is a significant amount of international cricket to be played over the next six months, including Test matches against some of the higher ranked teams in world cricket and as such it would be critical for the squad to get off on a positive note in South Africa,” Lloyd added.
“Specifically we have selected young fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell who is a good prospect. The Selection Panel is looking to introduce players such as Cottrell who can contribute in moving West Indies cricket forward,” Lloyd explained.
All players selected have been notified of their selection and that their selection is contingent upon their signing of the Match Tour Contract which was sent to each player selected on Tuesday November 11.
The deadline for the return of signed Match Tour Contracts to the WICB is 5pm (ECT), Tuesday, November 18.
The West Indies Test Squad is scheduled to depart the Caribbean on November 30, 2014.
SQUAD – Denesh Ramdin (captain), Sulieman Benn, Jermaine Blackwood, Kraigg Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Sheldon Cottrell, Shannon Gabriel, Chris Gayle, Jason Holder, Leon Johnson, Kemar Roach, Marlon Samuels, Jerome Taylor, Chadwick Walton.
West Indies Tour of South Africa Schedule
December 17-21 – First Test – Super Sport Park
December 26-30 – Second Test – St George’s Park
January 2-6 – Third Test – Centurion
January 9 – First T20I – Newlands
January 11 – Second T20I – Wanderers
January 14 – Third T20I – Kingsmead
January 16 – First ODI – Kingsmead
January 18 – Second ODI – New Wanderers
January 21 – Third ODI – Buffalo Park
January 25 – Fourth ODI – St George’s
January 28 – Fifth ODI – Super Sport Park