West Indies have rested Shai Hope for their upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh, with the visitors making several changes to their squad for their final assignment in the ongoing 2025-27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
Opening batter John Campbell has returned to the Test squad after recovering from the hamstring injury that forced him to miss the home series against Pakistan. Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has been withdrawn from the squad following a routine medical assessment and specialist consultation, Cricket West Indies (CWI) said.
All-rounder Keemo Paul has been named as Joseph’s replacement for the Tests, while Barbados batter Kevin Wickham has earned his maiden call-up following an impressive run in the domestic four-day competition.
Wickham scored three centuries in as many innings in the West Indies Championship, registering 105, 153 and an unbeaten 108 for Barbados. He finished as the third-highest run-scorer in the competition, earning a reward for his consistent performances.
The two-Test series will be West Indies’ final assignment in the 2025-27 WTC cycle. Although they are out of contention for a place in the final, the Caribbean side will look to finish their campaign on a positive note and give their emerging players an opportunity to establish themselves at the highest level.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, will be keen to capitalise on home advantage and put pressure on the visitors. Their familiarity with local conditions, while West Indies will need greater consistency from their batters to challenge the hosts over five days.
The first Test is scheduled to begin in Mirpur on October 28, with the second match set to be played in Sylhet from November 5.
West Indies squad for Bangladesh Tests
Roston Chase (capt), Jomel Warrican (vice-capt), Joshua Bishop, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Joshua Da Silva (wk), Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Amir Jangoo (wk), Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Keemo Paul, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Kevin Wickham
WTC FINAL RACE HEATS UP
The race for the 2027 WTC final has intensified following Australia’s commanding 214-run victory over South Africa in the first Test in Durban. Australia moved further clear at the top of the standings with nine wins from 11 matches and a points percentage (PCT) of 81.82. New Zealand climbed to second with a PCT of 72.22, while South Africa slipped to third at 60 per cent.
Bangladesh, currently fourth with a PCT of 55.56, have an opportunity to strengthen their position through the home series against West Indies. India are fifth at 51.52 per cent, leaving the contest for the remaining qualification spot open as the cycle progresses.
West Indies are sitting eighth with a PCT of 20.83 after winning just two of their 12 Tests. Their remaining matches will not take them into the final, but the Bangladesh series gives them a chance to finish the cycle with improved performances and build momentum for their next assignments.
WTC 2025-27 POINTS TABLE
- 1. Australia: 11 matches, 9 wins, 2 losses, 108 points, PCT 81.82
- 2. New Zealand: 6 matches, 4 wins, 1 loss, 52 points, PCT 72.22
- 3. South Africa: 5 matches, 3 wins, 2 losses, 36 points, PCT 60.00
- 4. Bangladesh: 6 matches, 3 wins, 2 losses, 40 points, PCT 55.56
- 5. India: 11 matches, 5 wins, 4 losses, 68 points, PCT 51.52
- 6. England: 16 matches, 7 wins, 8 losses, 74 points, PCT 38.54
- 7. Sri Lanka: 6 matches, 1 win, 2 losses, 24 points, PCT 33.33
- 8. West Indies: 12 matches, 2 wins, 8 losses, 30 points, PCT 20.83
- 9. Pakistan: 9 matches, 2 wins, 7 losses, 5 points, PCT 4.63
– Ends
