West Indies white-ball captain Shai Hope has been rested for the upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh as Cricket West Indies (CWI) manages his workload ahead of next year's ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Qualifier.
The 15-member squad was announced on October 13, with the series set to begin in Mirpur on October 28 before moving to Sylhet for the second Test from November 5 to 9.
According to Cricket West Indies, Hope has been given a break following an extended run across all three international formats. The decision forms part of the team's workload-management strategy as they prepare for the World Cup Qualifier scheduled for February 2027.
Kevin Wickham Earns Maiden Test Call-Up
Young batter Kevin Wickham has earned his maiden call-up to the West Indies Test squad after impressive performances in the 2026 West Indies Championship.
The 23-year-old scored three consecutive centuries in the domestic competition, including a highest score of 153. He now has six first-class centuries from 25 matches and is set to compete for an opportunity at the international level.
Experienced opener John Campbell has also returned to the squad after recovering from the hamstring injury that ruled him out of the home series against Pakistan.
Alzarri Joseph Withdrawn, Keemo Paul Included
Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has been withdrawn from the squad following a routine medical assessment and consultation with specialists.
CWI said the decision was taken to manage Joseph's workload and reduce the risk of injury associated with the physical demands of consecutive Test matches. He will continue working with the medical team as he prepares for a return to the longer format.
All-rounder Keemo Paul has been named as Joseph's replacement for the Bangladesh tour.
West Indies Test Squad for Bangladesh
Player | Role |
|---|---|
Roston Chase (Captain) | Batter / All-rounder |
Jomel Warrican (Vice-Captain) | Spin bowler |
Joshua Bishop | Spin bowler |
John Campbell | Opening batter |
Tagenarine Chanderpaul | Opening batter |
Joshua Da Silva | Wicketkeeper-batter |
Justin Greaves | All-rounder |
Kavem Hodge | All-rounder |
Amir Jangoo | Wicketkeeper-batter |
Shamar Joseph | Fast bowler |
Brandon King | Batter |
Keemo Paul | All-rounder |
Kemar Roach | Fast bowler |
Jayden Seales | Fast bowler |
Kevin Wickham | Batter |
West Indies vs Bangladesh Test Series Schedule
Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
First Test | October 28 – November 1, 2026 | Mirpur, Dhaka |
Second Test | November 5–9, 2026 | Sylhet |
The two-Test series represents West Indies' final assignment in the 2025–2027 ICC World Test Championship cycle. With Hope rested and Joseph unavailable for the tour, the series will provide an opportunity for other members of the squad to strengthen their claims at the Test level.
West Indies will be looking for strong performances in Bangladesh as they aim to finish their World Test Championship campaign on a positive note.
