No changes have been made in West Indies’ squad for the second Test match against England, which gets underway on March 16 at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. Notably, the opening clash of the three-match series ended in a draw, which took place at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua. Although the hosts couldn’t cross the line, many of their players left a significant mark.
Nkrumah Bonner was adjudged the Player of the Match for recording scores of 123 and 38 not out in the contest. The likes of skipper Kraigg Brathwaite, Jayden Seales and Jason Holder also enjoyed impressive outings. As the Cricket West Indies (CWI) selection panel seemed pretty pleased with the overall show of its side, they decided to retain the same combination.
We were very pleased with Nkrumah Bonner’s efforts: Desmond Haynes
“It was a hard-fought first match in Antigua and we decided to stick with the same 13 players for the second match in Barbados,” said lead selector Desmond Haynes while explaining the decision of not making any changes ahead of the Barbados Test.
“Bonner demonstrated the way you should play, and we were very pleased with the way he played in the first innings and again in the second innings. It was hard work for all the bowlers, and we were very happy with the way they stuck to the task,” he added.
Meanwhile, it remains to be seen whether West Indies will make any changes in their playing XI or not. While there might be a thought of inducting Kyle Mayers in the middle order, Anderson Phillip is likely to continue warming the benches as the pacers did well in the previous clash. Meanwhile, England are also expected to come up with a revised strategy in Barbados.
West Indies Test squad for second Test against England: Kraigg Brathwaite (Captain), Jermaine Blackwood (Vice-Captain), Nkrumah Bonner, Shamarh Brooks, John Campbell, Joshua Da Silva, Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Veerasammy Permaul, Anderson Phillip, Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales.