Cricket West Indies have made significant changes to their Test squad for the forthcoming two-match Test series in Australia. Seven uncapped players have been named to the 15-man squad, with Jason Holder and Kyle Mayers among those who have withdrawn.

Jermaine Blackwood, Raymon Reifer, Rahkeem Cornwall, Shannon Gabriel, and Jomel Warrican were all left out of the side that faced India at home earlier this year. Jayden Seales was also ruled out due to a shoulder ailment, according to the selection committee.

Kevin Sinclair, an uncapped allrounder who was selected for the India series but did not play, has been retained. In addition to him, the roster includes batter Zachary McCaskie, wicket-keeper Tevin Imlach, allrounders Justin Greaves and Kavem Hodge, and fast bowlers Akeem Jordan and Shamar Joseph. Gudakesh Motie, who last played in a Test against South Africa in March, has been called up. According to CWI, Holder and Mayers will be searching for T20 deals in January.

“The squad has been hampered by the absence of certain significant players,” CWI Lead Selector Desmond Haynes noted. “However, over the past year, we have had a very strong red-ball program that has unearthed significant talent throughout the region.” The chosen players have passed all of the tests and must now be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities in the test arena. A trip to Australia is always a challenge, but we have faith in our team.”

Alzarri Joseph, a fast bowler, has been assigned as the new vice-captain. The West Indies will play a four-day warm-up match before facing Australia in the first Test, which begins on January 17 in Adelaide. The second Test will be a pink-ball affair, beginning in January 25 at the Gabba.Squad: Kriagg Brathwaite (C), Alzarri Joseph (VC),  Alick Athanaze, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, , Kirk McKenzie, Kevin Sinclair,  Joshua da Silva, Zachary McCaskie, Kemar Roach, Tevin Imlach. Kavem Hodge, Justin Greaves, Akeem Jordan, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph.