WI to choose 15-man Test, T20 squads for New Zealand

THE WEST Indies selection panel is expected to choose respective 15-man squads, for the two Test matches and three T20 Internationals away to New Zealand. The tour is set to run from November 27 to December 15.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) CEO Johnny Grave, in a Whatsapp interview on Tuesday, said, “(The) current plan is to depart towards the end of October…15 Test squad and 15 T20I squad with about five or six reserves also travelling.”

Chairman of selectors Roger Harper said in a recent interview that the teams for both series are expected to be named this week.

The WI and hosts New Zealand will square off in three T20 Internationals – November 27 (Auckland), November 29 and 30 (Mount Maunganui), followed by two Tests – December 3-7 (Hamilton) and December 11-15 (Wellington).

Grave mentioned, “(The) New Zealand tour is progressing well. We are having regular calls with New Zealand Cricket and getting more information daily on the Government quarantine and medical protocols.”

The West Indies featured in a three-Test series against England in July, which marked the resumption of cricket following the covid19 lockdown. That series was played behind closed doors, but Grave said that crowds may be allowed during the forthcoming series.

“I think New Zealand is about to be downgraded to level one across the country (Auckland was level two), so possibility with crowds,” said the CWI CEO. “We are hoping for (the CWI) Medical Advisory Committee and board approval by the end of next week, all being well.”