Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph and white-ball captain Shai Hope will be absent from the West Indies squad for the upcoming two-Test series in Bangladesh, commencing later this month. Joseph has been “withdrawn” following medical advice to manage his workload, while Hope is rested with an eye on the One Day International (ODI) World Cup qualifiers in February 2027. In their absence, 23-year-old batsman Kevin Wickham has been given his first Test call-up for the 15-member squad.
John Campbell is back in the Test team after recovering from a hamstring injury that sidelined him during the home series against Pakistan. His temporary replacement, Kirk McKenzie, steps aside having not appeared in any games.
According to a statement issued by Cricket West Indies (CWI), Joseph’s absence follows a “routine medical assessment and specialist consultation.” The board explained the decision, stating it seeks to “manage his workload to prevent potential injury from the additional physical demands of Test cricket,” with Joseph himself concurring.
While Joseph is not yet sidelined from shorter formats, CWI noted, “the demands of two consecutive Test matches in Bangladesh would require fast bowlers to endure repeated high-intensity sessions over prolonged periods, posing a significantly greater workload and injury risk than the less demanding white-ball formats present.” Joseph will continue his recovery regimen with the CWI medical team and specialists, aiming for a complete return to Test cricket. His place in the squad has been filled by all-rounder Keemo Paul.
Hope, meanwhile, is rested following “an extended run across all three formats,” aiming to manage his “workload and wellness” in preparation for the ODI World Cup qualifiers, CWI explained.
Kevin Wickham caught the selectors’ attention with impressive performances in the West Indies Championship, where he notched up three consecutive centuries, scoring 105, 153, and an unbeaten 108 for Barbados. With an average of 78.60 from his recent innings, Wickham ranked as the competition’s third-highest run-scorer.
This series marks the West Indies’ final challenge in the ongoing 2025-27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. Currently placed eighth, the West Indies have targeted a top-half finish. Head Coach Daren Sammy expressed optimism, saying, “At the start of this World Test Championship cycle we set ourselves goals, and one of them was to finish in the top half of the rankings. Winning this series would move us closer to it. Playing Bangladesh in their own conditions will be challenging, and we’re ready for that.”
The first Test between Bangladesh and the West Indies is set to begin on 28 October in Dhaka, with the second slated from 5 November in Sylhet.
West Indies Squad for Bangladesh Tests:
– Roston Chase (captain)
– Jomel Warrican (vice-captain)
– Joshua Bishop
– John Campbell
– Tagenarine Chanderpaul
– Joshua Da Silva (wicketkeeper)
– Justin Greaves
– Kavem Hodge
– Amir Jangoo (wicketkeeper)
– Shamar Joseph
– Brandon King
– Keemo Paul
– Kemar Roach
– Jayden Seales
– Kevin Wickham
