West Indies’ star fast bowler Shannon Gabriel has been formally drafted into the 15-man squad for the upcoming three-match Test series against England starting on July 8 at Southampton.
Gabriel had been part of the reserve personnel on England tour but has on Thursday (July 2) officially named in the West Indies' frontline squad for the Test series after proving his fitness following ankle surgery with impressive displays in the two intra-squad warm-up matches at Old Trafford.
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Since undergoing ankle surgery last September, the paceman has not played a first-class game, but he has now proved his fitness and made an impressive return, claiming figures of 8 for 122 across West Indies' two intra-squad warm-up matches in Manchester to stake his claim for a place in the WI XI for the series opener against England at the Ages Bowl.
Cricket West Indies’ lead selector Roger Harper said of Gabriel’s inclusion to the squad: “I am delighted that we are able to add Shannon to the Test squad. He has shown that he is fit and ready, he will add experience, firepower, and potency to the bowling unit.”
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Gabriel’s return makes West Indies’ strong pace attack even more lethal starring Jason Holder, Kemar Roach, Chemar Holder, Alzarri Joseph, and Raymon Reifer.
Noteworthy, the 32-year-old has so far managed 133 wickets in 45 Tests since his debut in 2012 and also played a key role in West Indies winning the Wisden Trophy against England at home last year.
Here’s West Indies’ Test Squad:
Jason Holder (captain), Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner, Kraigg Brathwaite, Shamarh Brooks, John Campbell, Roston Chase, Rahkeem Cornwall, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Chemar Holder, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Raymon Reifer, and Kemar Roach.
(With PTI Inputs)
