Try as I may, it was hard to understand the need for the West Indies selectors to pick a squad of 17 players, one week before the South Africa test set to begin this Thursday in Antigua.
From my vantage point, it seems to be a risk to play Shannon Gabriel who broke down twice during the recent four-day `Best vs Best’ game at the Darren Sammy ground, and the poor form of Daren Bravo who over the last seven test matches accumulated 138 runs at an average of 11, and a top score of 50 vs England in Antigua, does not justify his inclusion.
Also why the inclusion of wicketkeeper Jahmar Hamilton since both DaSilva and Shai Hope are also capable glove men and unless either Kraigg Brathwaite or Hope are carrying an injury it is also hard to understand the inclusion of Kieran Powell. To add Jomel Warrican to the squad is as if the West Indies were playing in Trinidad or Guyana as the Ken Crafton track at the Darren Sammy ground is not known to help spinners. My XI for the first test will be: – Kraigg Brathwaite, Shai Hope, Nkrumah Bonner, Kyle Mayers, Jermaine Blackwood, Roston Chase, Joshua DaSilva, Jason Holder, Kemar Roach, Alzarri Joseph and Jayden Seales.
Playing Chase in front of Cornwall will add important depth to the batting and provide any off spin that Brathwaite may need, with emergency fieldsmen being Walsh and Brookes.
I am sorry that Chemar holder has been determined to be unfit after bowling impressively on the opening day of the `Best vs Best’ four day practice match. I also feel that Alzarri Joseph needs to put his heart and soul into his work after a disappointing attachment to Worcestershire admittedly on their dead pitches.
It is also fair to say that, without knowing all the details, both captain Brathwaite and Joseph should have returned to the Caribbean at the period when Kemar Roach took the decision to say goodbye to Surrey.
It’s going to be a major test to young Jayden Seales as he does not have a great deal of first class experience but this talent should be groomed in short spells and handled carefully by captain Brathwaite.
My XI contains depth in batting and the best available bowling attack in the bowler friendly conditions at the Darren Sammy ground.
