WI pick Kirk McKenzie, Alick Athanaze for first Test against India

West Indies have named uncapped Kirk McKenzie and Alick Athanaze in their 13-man squad for the first Test against India in Dominica. Allrounder Rahkeem Cornwall, who played his last Test in November 2021 in Galle, and left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican, who missed the tour of South Africa in February, return to the national fold.

Full squad: Kraigg Brathwaite (Captain), Jermaine Blackwood (Vice Captain), Alick Athanaze, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Rahkeem Cornwall, Joshua Da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Kirk McKenzie, Raymon Reifer, Kemar Roach, Jomel Warrican

Traveling Reserves: Tevin Imlach, Akeem Jordan

"We were very impressed with the approach to batsmanship of McKenzie and Athanaze on the recent 'A' Team tour of Bangladesh," lead selector Desmond Haynes said. "These are two young players who got good scores and played with great maturity, and we believe they deserve an opportunity."

Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie was unavailable for selection. "We are without Motie, who is doing his rehabilitation, and this has created an opportunity for Warrican and Cornwall in the spin bowling department. They have both played at Test match level before and are capable of doing the job," Haynes said.

Haynes also revealed that Jayden Seales and Kyle Mayers weren't quite ready for their return to red-ball cricket yet. "We had Jayden Seales here in the camp and he has made good progress during his rehab from surgery. However, we felt he is not yet quite ready to return, and we don't want to risk him at this stage. Kyle Mayers was also considered but he has some niggles, and the precaution is not to have him in the rigors of a five-day match at this stage.

"Looking ahead to the series we know it will be a challenging one as we start the new cycle of the ICC Test Match Championship. We want to build and improve and strive to move up the ladder."

The West Indies squad will travel to Dominica on July 9 after they are done with their pre-series camp at Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua.