Akeem Jordan replaces injured pacer Jeremiah Louis in WI Test squad

LANKY Barbados seamer Akeem Jordan has replaced fast bowler Jeremiah Louis in the West Indies' 15-man squad for the third and final Test against England after the latter was ruled out through injury.

The uncapped Louis, 28, was drafted into the West Indies team ahead of the first Test after experienced fast bowler Kemar Roach was injured. The St Kitts and Nevis pacer, who has 151 first-class wickets to his name, would have been hoping to debut in the series, but a Cricket West Indies media release on July 24 said he suffered a hamstring injury during the second Test at Trent Bridge.

After a humiliating innings and 114-run loss in the first Test at Lord's Cricket Ground, the West Indies put in an improved showing in the second Test at Trent Bridge before being bowled out for 143 on the fourth day to fall to a heavy 241-run loss.

Louis had a fleeting role as a substitute fielder at Trent Bridge – taking a catch to see the back of English captain Ben Stokes on the first day of the Test. He will play no further part in the series, although the CWI release said, "Louis has remained with the squad for further treatment."

The 29-year-old Jordan isn't a stranger to the Windies setup, as he featured in two One-day Internationals against the UAE in June 2023 – taking figures of one for 36 on his international debut in Sharjah. Jordan was included in the Windies Test squad for their two-match series away to Australia in January 2024, but was not given the opportunity to make his Test debut.

"Jordan has been in the UK and has joined up with the squad, taking part in training on July 24," the release said.

Jordan has grabbed 67 wickets in 19 first-class matches, with a career-best of five for 44. Jordan took eight wickets in four matches for Barbados in this year's West Indies Regional Four-day Championships.

When the third Test bowls off from 6 am at Edgbaston in Birmingham on July 26, Jordan will hope to hear his name called in a West Indies Test XI for the first time.

West Indies squad for final Test:

Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Alzarri Joseph (vice-captain), Alick Athanaze, Joshua Da Silva, Kavem Hodge, Jason Holder, Tevin Imlach, Akeem Jordan, Shamar Joseph, Mikyle Louis, Zachary McCaskie, Kirk McKenzie, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales, Kevin Sinclair.