Alick Athanaze, the captain of the Windward Islands, and Barbados pace bowler Akeem Jordan have earned their maiden call-ups to West Indies’ 15-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa, starting in Centurion on February 28.
Athanaze, who first came into prominence in the Under-19 World Cup played in New Zealand in 2017-18 by averaging 104.50, has 1154 runs at an average of 31.18 in first-class cricket. He has also been in fine form in the ongoing four-day West Indies Championship, having scored 41 and 51 against Trinidad and Tobago, alongside his career-best 141 versus Guyana.
Jordan has bagged 24 wickets at an impressive average of 17.62 in first-class cricket. In the current first-class season, he took a five-for versus Guyana and subsequently bagged 7 for 113 versus Jamaica.
Meanwhile, left-arm orthodox spinner Jomel Warrican and batter Nkrumah Bonner have been left out. Jayden Seales isn’t available for selection due to a knee injury, with the paceman also undergoing surgery. His pace colleague Anderson Phillip isn’t match-fit, although he has resumed training.
Lead Selector, Desmond Haynes said: “Athanaze is one of the young players who we have invested in, and he played well in the ‘A Team’ and CWI President’s XI. He showed great promise in the CG United Super50 last year and then got his first hundred in the West Indies Championship last week. We believe he should be given an opportunity at this level. He has also shown leadership, as captain of the Windwards at the start of this season.”
“Jordan has been very impressive from last year, he has continued to bowl well, and has been excellent in the first two matches so far this year. He is very skillful, can bowl the new ball, and looks to put the ball in the right areas. He is also a sharp fielder and good catcher close to the wicket. This will be a challenging tour. There is no easy away tour in Test cricket. South Africa have a good team, but I am sure we will be up for the task and will do well in these two Test matches,” he added.
Squad: Kraigg Brathwaite (Captain), Jermaine Blackwood (Vice Captain), Alick Athanaze, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Roston Chase, Joshua Da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, Akeem Jordan, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Raymon Reifer, Kemar Roach, Devon Thomas
