West Indies rest Shai Hope for Bangladesh Tests as WTC heats up

ByTech Word News

West Indies have rested Shai Hope for their upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh, with the visitors making several changes to their squad for their final assignment in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle.

Opening batsman John Campbell has returned to the Test squad after recovering from a hamstring injury that saw him miss the home series against Pakistan. Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has been withdrawn from the squad following a routine medical and professional consultation, Cricket West Indies (CWI) said.

All-rounder Keemo Paul was named as Joseph’s replacement for the Tests, while Barbadian batsman Kevin Wickham earned his first call-up after an impressive drive in the domestic four-day competition.

Wickham scored three centuries in as many innings in the West Indies Championship, scoring 105, 153 and 108 not out for Barbados. He finished as the third top scorer in the competition and earned rewards for his consistent performances.

The two-Test series will be West Indies’ final assignment in the 2025-27 WTC cycle. Although they are out of contention for a place in the finals, the Caribbean side will be looking to finish their campaign on a positive note and give their up-and-coming players the opportunity to make their mark at the highest level. Courtesy: West Indies Cricket

Bangladesh, meanwhile, will look to use home advantage and put pressure on the visitors. Their familiarity with local conditions while West Indies will need more consistency from their batting to take on the hosts over five days.

The first Test is scheduled to begin in Mirpur on October 28, while the second match will be played in Sylhet from November 5.

West Indies squad for the Bangladesh Tests

Roston Chase (captain), Jomel Warrican (vice-captain), Joshua Bishop, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Joshua Da Silva (wk), Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Amir Jangoo (wk), Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Keemo Paul, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Kevin Wick

THE WTC FINAL RACE IS ON

The race for the WTC finals in 2027 has intensified Australia’s commanding 214-run victory over South Africa in the first Test in Durban. Australia moved further clear at the top of the table with nine wins from 11 matches and a points percentage (PCT) of 81.82. New Zealand climbed to second place with a PCT of 72.22, while South Africa dropped to third place with 60 percent.

Bangladesh, currently fourth with a PCT of 55.56, have an opportunity to strengthen their position through the home series against West Indies. India are fifth with 51.52 per cent, so the competition for the remaining qualifying spot remains open as the cycle progresses.

West Indies are ranked eighth with a PCT of 20.83 after winning just two of their 12 Tests. Their remaining matches will not take them to the finals, but the Bangladesh series gives them a chance to finish the cycle with better performances and gain momentum for their next tasks.

WTC POINT TABLE 2025-27

  • 1. Australia: 11 games, 9 wins, 2 losses, 108 points, PCT 81.82
  • 2. New Zealand: 6 games, 4 wins, 1 loss, 52 points, PCT 72.22
  • 3. South Africa: 5 matches, 3 wins, 2 losses, 36 points, PCT 60.00
  • 4. Bangladesh: 6 matches, 3 wins, 2 losses, 40 points, PCT 55.56
  • 5. India: 11 matches, 5 wins, 4 losses, 68 points, PCT 51.52
  • 6. England: 16 games, 7 wins, 8 losses, 74 points, PCT 38.54
  • 7. Sri Lanka: 6 matches, 1 win, 2 losses, 24 points, PCT 33.33
  • 8. West Indies: 12 matches, 2 wins, 8 losses, 30 points, PCT 20.83
  • 9. Pakistan: 9 matches, 2 wins, 7 losses, 5 points, PCT 4.63

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