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West Indies Captain Shai Hope Rested For Bangladesh Tests After Three Centuries Against India; Three Players Earn Maiden Call-Ups
West Indies have named a 15-member squad for their upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh, with white-ball captain Shai Hope rested to manage his workload. Hope, who recently scored three centuries against India, has been left out as Cricket West Indies (CWI) looks to keep him fresh for upcoming international assignments.
The decision comes after a busy period for the wicketkeeper-batter, who has featured regularly across formats. West Indies are also keeping the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier in February 2027 in mind while managing their key players.
The two-Test series will begin in Mirpur on October 28, with the second match scheduled to start in Sylhet on November 5. It will be West Indies’ final assignment in the 2025-27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
Why Shai Hope Has Been Rested For Bangladesh Tests
Cricket West Indies confirmed that Hope would be rested after an extended run of international cricket.
“Shai Hope, the white-ball captain, is being rested for the series after an extended run across all three formats,” CWI said in a statement.
The board also explained that the decision was part of its workload management plans ahead of next year’s World Cup Qualifier.
“With the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier scheduled for February next year, CWI is managing his workload and wellness through the period in the lead up to the Qualifier,” the statement added.
Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has also been withdrawn from the squad following a routine medical assessment and consultation with specialists. The decision has been taken to manage his workload and reduce the risk of injury as he prepares for the physical demands of red-ball cricket.
“With Joseph’s agreement, Cricket West Indies (CWI) has taken the decision to manage his workload, seeking to avert the risk of injury associated with the increased physical demands of red-ball cricket,” the board said.
Kevin Wickham Among Three Players To Receive Maiden Call-Ups
Barbados batter Kevin Wickham is among the new faces in the West Indies Test squad. The uncapped right-handed batter has earned his maiden call-up after an impressive run in the 2026 West Indies Championship.
Wickham scored three consecutive centuries for Barbados, registering 105, 153 and an unbeaten 108 in successive innings. His career-best score of 153 was part of a strong campaign that saw him finish as the competition’s third-highest run-scorer, with 393 runs at an average of 78.60.
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The batter had three first-class centuries before the season, but his recent performances took his game to another level. He now has six first-class hundreds in around 25 matches, with an average of over 40.
His consistent performances have earned him an opportunity to prove himself at the international level against Bangladesh.
All-rounder Keemo Paul has also been included in the squad, while opening batter John Campbell returns after recovering from a hamstring injury. Campbell missed the recent home Test series against Pakistan because of the injury.
Roston Chase To Lead West Indies In Bangladesh
Roston Chase will captain the West Indies side, with left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican named vice-captain.
The squad also includes Joshua Bishop, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, wicketkeepers Joshua Da Silva and Amir Jangoo, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales.
West Indies have opted to give emerging players an opportunity as they look to finish their World Test Championship campaign on a positive note.
West Indies Look To Finish WTC Cycle Strongly
West Indies are currently eighth in the World Test Championship standings, with a points percentage of 20.83 after 12 matches. They have recorded two wins and eight defeats in the cycle and can no longer qualify for the final.
However, the team will be looking to improve its position and gain valuable experience in challenging conditions in Bangladesh.
Head coach Daren Sammy said the team had set clear targets at the beginning of the WTC cycle, including finishing in the top half of the standings.
“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,” Sammy said.
“Winning this series would move us closer to it. Playing Bangladesh in their own conditions will be challenging, and we’re ready for that,” he added.
Bangladesh, who are fourth in the standings with a stronger points percentage, will have home advantage and will aim to strengthen their position in the competition.
West Indies Squad For Bangladesh Test Series
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 and Kevin Wickham.
The West Indies squad is scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh on October 18. The team will then play a three-day warm-up match in Dhaka from October 22 to 24 before the first Test.
