Key Highlights
- West Indies announce 15-member squad for three-test series against New Zealand.
- Kemar Roach and Ojay Shields earn call-ups to the team.
- Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph ruled out due to injuries.
- Squad to play in Christchurch, Wellington, Mount Maunganui from December 1-21, 2025.
The Return of Kemar Roach: West Indies Squad Readies for Challenging Series Against New Zealand
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has unveiled its 15-member squad for an upcoming three-test series against New Zealand, scheduled to take place in December. The announcement comes as veteran fast bowler Kemar Roach is recalled to the team, alongside Ojay Shields making his maiden call-up.
Roach, known for his experience and fiery pace, will bolster an inexperienced fast-bowling unit that features Shields. Both players participated in a rigorous two-week high-performance camp in Antigua, preparing for the series where playing surfaces are expected to be conducive to pace bowling.
Athletic Rehabilitation: Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph Out of Action
Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph were ruled out of the series due to ongoing rehabilitation from injuries sustained earlier this year. Their absence highlights the importance of targeted preparation for an away tour where conditions can be unpredictable.
Focused Preparation: West Indies Headed to New Zealand
The squad is set to join players already in New Zealand, having completed a two-day warm-up match against a New Zealand XI in Lincoln. This pre-series engagement will provide valuable time for the team to acclimate and fine-tune their strategies.
West Indies Batter Kavem Hodge prepares at Camp in Antigua. CWI’s Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, emphasized the importance of preparation: “New Zealand has traditionally been one of the toughest places for any touring side, which is why strong emphasis has been placed on targeted preparation.”
Squad Details and Schedule
The West Indies squad includes seasoned players like Roston Chase (Captain), Jomel Warrican (Vice-Captain), Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, Brandon King, Johann Layne Anderson, and Phillip Kemar Roach. Jayden Seales and Ojay Shields round out the team.
The series will take place in three key venues: Hagley Oval, Christchurch (1-5 December 2025), Basin Reserve, Wellington (9-13 December 2025), and Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui (17-21 December 2025). The first test will begin on the evening of December 1, with subsequent matches following a similar schedule.
West Indies Fast Bowler Ojay Shields attends Camp in Antigua.
This series forms part of the 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship and marks West Indies’ final fixture for 2025.
The full tour schedule is as follows:
- Two-Day Warm-Up Match: November 25-26, Lincoln, Christchurch
- 1st Test: December 1-5, Hagley Oval, Christchurch @6pm AST/5pm in Jamaica
- 2nd Test: December 9-13, Basin Reserve, Wellington @6pm AST/5pm in Jamaica
- 3rd Test: December 17-21, Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui @6pm AST/5pm in Jamaica
The team will be focused on playing to their strengths and adapting to the challenging conditions that New Zealand is known for. The upcoming series promises to be an exciting test of skill and determination.
