West Indies Gear Up in Ahmedabad: Preparatory Camp for Test Series

The West Indies cricket team is set to conduct a six-day training camp in Ahmedabad in preparation for their two-Test series against India. As per the information shared by Cricket West Indies (CWI) with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA), the team will be training from September 24 to 29 in Ahmedabad, getting ready for the first Test. This initial Test is slated to begin on October 2 at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

“We have a team that we expect to perform well, especially with an intriguing fast bowling lineup. We will be there from September 24 leading up to the first Test,” CWI CEO Christ Dehring mentioned to Cricbuzz on Saturday.

The squad announced recently includes two specialist spinners, vice-captain Jomel Warrican and newcomer Khary Pierre, both left-arm bowlers. Additionally, captain Roston Chase offers part-time off-spin. However, pace is expected to dominate the West Indies’ strategy with Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales, and Anderson Phillips spearheading the attack, even on spin-friendly wickets.

Meanwhile, the Indian squad is expected to gather in Ahmedabad on September 29. Some players, including captain Shubman Gill, might arrive directly from Dubai, assuming India’s participation in the Asia Cup final, while others will be traveling from the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, where they will have been training. The announcement for India’s squad is anticipated early next week.

The current selection committee will finalize the Test squad, marking the concluding meeting for some of its members. After recent interview proceedings, two new selectors are set to join the committee while two will exit. Pragyan Ojha and RP Singh are expected to join, with S Sharath likely among those vacating the Ajit Agarkar-led panel. The second member leaving is yet to be confirmed.

Sharath is reportedly returning to the junior selection committee, poised to replace Tilak Naidu as its head. Recent interviews by the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), which includes Ashok Malhotra and Jatin Paranjpe, have resulted in the appointment of two senior selectors, one junior selector, and four selectors for the national women’s committee.

West Indies Squad: Roston Chase (Captain), Jomel Warrican (Vice-Captain), Kevlon Anderson, Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Anderson Phillip, Khary Pierre and Jayden Seales.