West Indies have called back Kemar Roach to lead the bowling attack for their three-Test tour of New Zealand next month. The squad has 15 players. The board announced it on Thursday.
Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph are both out with injuries. This opened the door for new faces. Ojay Shields earned his first call-up. The 29-year-old fast bowler will play international cricket for the first time on New Zealand’s tough pitches.
Roach last played a Test in January. The 37-year-old has played 85 Tests and taken 284 wickets. The selectors picked him because they expect the pitches to help fast bowlers.
Miles Bascombe, the CWI director of cricket, said New Zealand is one of the hardest places for a touring team. He said they focused on special preparation. He added that the training camp in Antigua tried to match the fast and lively conditions they expect to face.
Kavem Hodge returned to the Test squad. Khary Pierre missed out. Spin is likely to have a small role in this series.
The tour runs from December 1 to 21. The matches will take place in Christchurch, Wellington and Mount Maunganui. The series is part of the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship. West Indies are at the bottom after five Tests. New Zealand have not played a series yet.
Squad: Roston Chase (captain), Jomel Warrican (vice-captain), Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, Brandon King, Johann Layne, Anderson Phillip, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Ojay Shields.
