Uncapped Kyle Hope, Reifier called for England Tests

Uncapped Kyle Hope and Raymon Reifer have been included in the Windies 15-member squad for three-Test series in England, Cricket Windies announced on Saturday (July 15). The squad also includes Kemar Roach, who last played a Test in Australia in January last year.

Vishaul Singh, who struggled in the three Tests against Pakistan at home, has been dropped. Courtney Browne, the chairman of CWI selection panel, revealed the think-tank might look at Hope as the No. 3 option.

"[In Reifer and Kyle Hope] we have two players who will be new to Tests, but they have experience at first-class level. Kyle will be our third option as opener and he can also be a possible No. 3. Raymon adds variety to our attack with his left-arm swing bowling and has proven to be very useful with the bat in the lower order. He, therefore, adds value to our team and could be very useful in English conditions," he said.

"Kemar's return is welcomed as he was one of the best fast bowlers in Tests in the recent past for us. We have seen him during the last [first-class] season show signs of his return to form. He may not be bowling as quickly as before, but still possesses that skill we all knew he had, plus his experience adds greater depth to the attack."

Hope impressed in the ODIs against India with scores of 45, 35 and 19 in tough conditions. Roach, on the other hand, has been in good form with the ball in domestic cricket with 23 wickets at an average of 16.17 for Barbados.

CWI also revealed that Darren Bravo, who is now eligible to play for Windies after issuing an apology, was not considered for selection. According to the board, the squad was selected before the the left-hander submitted the letter.

Windies start their tour in Edgbaston before travelling to Leeds and London for the remaining two Tests. The series will be followed by one T20I and five ODIs.

Squad: Jason Holder (c), Kraigg Braithwaite (vc), Devendra Bishoo, Jermaine Blackwood, Roston Chase, Miguel Cummins, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Shimron Hetmyer, Kyle Hope, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Kieran Powell, Raymon Reifer, Kemar Roach.