Kirk McKenzie Selected for WI Test Duty in England
Batsman is Jamaica’s only player picked for whistlestop Richards Trophy series
Kirk McKenzie is the sole Jamaican named in the largely experimental West Indies 15-player Test squad, which will attempt to defend the Richards Botham Trophy in England.
It will be his first foray on English soil for competitive action for the 23-year-old batsman. He made his international Test debut against India last year and followed it up with two impressive knocks — 50 in the first innings and 26 from 35 deliveries in the second innings — during the 1st Test against Australia in January.
Captain Kraigg Brathwaite will lead his troops to compete for the Richards-Botham Trophy, named in honour of West Indies legendary batsman Sir Vivian Richards and England all-rounder Lord Ian Botham.
Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph will serve as vice-captain for a squad that heavily comprises Barbados and Guyanese players.
The whistlestop tour begins at Lord’s in London (10 July), moves to Trent Bridge, Nottingham (18 July) and concludes at Edgbaston, Birmingham (26 July) for the three-Test Richards Botham series. The West Indies beat England 1-0 on Caribbean soil with a Test series triumph in March 2022.
Trinidadian fast bowler Jayden Seales returns to the squad following injury, with former skipper Jason Holder recalled after making himself unavailable for the last tour.
Opening batsman Mikyle Louis has earned his inaugural Test selection, and if he makes his debut against England will become the first Kittian to represent the Windies at this level. Guyana’s 19-year-old fast bowler Isai Thorne will travel with the WI squad as a development player.
Dr. Desmond Haynes, the Cricket West Indies lead selector, explained: “The squad has been shaped with both experience and emerging talent, ensuring a strong balance as we face the challenge of playing in English conditions.
“We are confident that this blend of seasoned players and emerging faces will perform admirably against England.”
ENGLAND v WI BOTHAM RICHARDS SERIES
1st Test | Lord’s, London (10-14 July)
2nd Test | Trent Bridge, Nottingham (18-22 July)
3rd Test | Edgbaston, Birmingham (26-30 July)
WI TEST SQUAD | Alick Athanaze (Dominica), Kraigg Brathwaite (captain, Barbados), Joshua da Silva (Trinidad & Tobago), Jason Holder (Barbados), Kavem Hodge (Dominica), Tevin Imlach (Guyana), Alzarri Joseph (vice-captain, Antigua), Shamar Joseph (Guyana), Mikyle Louis (St. Kitts), Zachary McCaskie (Barbados), Kirk McKenzie (Jamaica), Gudakesh Motie (Guyana), Kemar Roach (Barbados), Jayden Seales (Trinidad & Tobago), Kevin Sinclair (Guyanese)
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