Joshua Bishop earns maiden Test call-up as West Indies announce Pakistan squad

The West Indies announced a 15-member squad on Wednesday for the two-match Test series against Pakistan, scheduled from July 25 to August 6. The squad retained key players from the team that won 1-0 against Sri Lanka earlier this month, and included left-arm orthodox spinner Joshua Bishop for his maiden Test call-up. Kirk McKenzie earned his first Test return since 2024 after John Campbell was sidelined with a left hamstring strain suffered during the recent New Zealand ODI series.

Bishop is a left-arm orthodox spinner with 119 wickets in 25 first-class matches at an average of 23.90, and is the highest wicket-taker across the last three West Indies Championship seasons with 91 scalps. McKenzie's domestic performance was impressive, scoring 323 runs in six innings at an average of 64.60. The two teams occupy the bottom of the World Test Championship table, with West Indies claiming one win from ten Tests and Pakistan claiming one from four.

The opening encounter at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy from July 25-29 marks the first men's Test at the venue and the 13th ground in the Caribbean to host Test cricket. The second match takes place at Queen's Park Oval from August 2-6. Roston Chase continues as captain, with Jomel Warrican serving as vice-captain, after the core group that defeated Sri Lanka was retained.

What makes Joshua Bishop's selection particularly noteworthy?

Bishop earned his maiden Test opportunity following strong performances for Barbados Pride and the West Indies Academy across the past three West Indies Championship seasons, where he topped the wicket-taker list for that span. His breakthrough capped off a selection process rewarding domestic excellence. Kirk McKenzie earned his first Test recall since 2024 as West Indies announced a 15-member squad for their home series against Pakistan.

Who replaced Campbell in the squad?

McKenzie, a left-handed batter from Jamaica, replaced John Campbell after Campbell sustained a left hamstring strain during the recently concluded ODI series against New Zealand. Anderson Phillip, the right-arm pacer, was dropped from the squad after his performance in the second Test against Sri Lanka. Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph was unavailable for selection due to personal reasons. The squad now looks to build on West Indies' recent momentum as they host Pakistan on Saturday, July 25.

West Indies squad for Pakistan Tests

Roston Chase (capt), Jomel Warrican (vice-capt), Joshua Bishop, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Joshua Da Silva, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Shai Hope, Amir Jangoo, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Kirk McKenzie, Keemo Paul, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales