West Indies Revamp Squad for India Tests: Chanderpaul Returns, Athanaze Gets Nod

Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Alick Athanaze have earned Test recalls as the West Indies have named a 15-member squad for the two-Test series in India starting October 2. Left-arm spinner Khary Pierre has also been handed a maiden Test call-up.

A bruising 3-0 defeat to Australia at home which culminated with them being bowled out for just 27 in the second innings of the final Test led to Cricket West Indies calling an emergency meeting of its Cricket Strategy Committee. Legends of West Indian cricket Clive Lloyd, Viv Richards and Brian Lara were also invited for their inputs. Although the team and CWI faced immense criticism in the aftermath of that series, it appears that they have taken a measured approach in response - at least in terms of changes within the team.

"Our approach to squad selection continues to be calculated and deliberate. We consider the opposition, the playing conditions, and the skill sets required to be successful against specific opposition. The inclusion of players has therefore been guided not only by their recent performances, but also by identifying who within our pool is best suited to deliver positive results on these surfaces, against this quality of opposition," said Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe.

"At the same time, we are conscious of building continuity and depth in our Test squad as we look to compete consistently throughout this World Test Championship cycle," he added.

Former captain Kraigg Brathwaite, Mikyle Louis, Keacy Carty and Johann Layne have been dropped while Gudakesh Motie has been rested for the series in view of managing his workload. Pierre, who was picked on the back of strong performances in the West Indies Championship, will aid Roston Chase and Jomel Warrican in Motie's absence.

"The return of Tagenarine Chanderpaul is to help transform our fortunes at the top of the order given the recent struggles, with Alick Athanaze being added for his strengths and qualities against spin bowling. Khary is included for the first time as our second spinner in what we expect to be helpful conditions," said head coach Darren Sammy.

West Indies squad: Roston Chase (C), Jomel Warrican (VC), Kevlon Anderson, Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Anderson Phillip, Khary Pierre, Jayden Seales