Despite bagging match figures of 7-107 in the just concluded ‘Best v Best’ match in Jamaica Guyana’s left-arm orthodox spinner was again sidelined by the West Indies selection panel for the first test against Pakistan which starts Thursday in Jamaica.
However, during that ‘Best v Best’ match middle order batsman Shamarh Brooks scored polished century which earned him a recall.
“Shamarh Brooks batted his way into the provisional squad by scoring an accomplished century. He will certainly add some depth to the squad’s batting,” a release stated.
The side does include a left arm spinner in Jomel Warrican who it seems got the nod over Permaul.
Cricket West Indies (CWI) selection panel headed ironically by Guyanese former West Indies off spinner Roger harper yesterday announced a 17-member provisional squad for the upcoming two-test series against Pakistan but could not find a spot for Permaul. Also recalled is fast bowler, Chemar Holder who, according to Chairman of Selectors Harper, “returns, having recovered from his injury. He will bolster the fast bowling department.”
Darren Bravo and Shannon Gabriel will not feature in the series.
“Shannon Gabriel has been given time to rehab fully and build his conditioning, so he was not part of the preparations for the Test series against Pakistan, which included the Best v Best game. Darren Bravo has been part of the ‘bubble’ from the preparation camp leading into the Betway Test series against South Africa and has been given a break.”
Moreso, the squad features Anguillan wicketkeeper, Jahmar Hamilton, Alzarri Joseph, Nkrumah Bonner, Rahkeem Cornwall, Roston Chase, Joshua Da Silva, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Kyle Mayers, Kieran Powell, Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales.
The squad will be led by captain, Kraigg Brathwaite with Jermaine Blackwood as his deputy.
Harper added: “I expect the team to be highly competitive in every department while playing with passion, purpose and determination. I look forward to the batsmen stepping up as they did in the series against Bangladesh and against Sri Lanka earlier this year in Antigua.”
The two-match Betway Test Series will be played at Sabina Park from August 12-16 and August 20-24. The Betway Test Series forms the first of six Series in the new cycle of the International Cricket Council World Test Championship to find the best Test match cricket team in the world.
