ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) — Wicketkeeper-batsman Joshua Da Silva and veteran fast bowler Kemar Roach are two of the most notable inclusions in a West Indies 15-member squad to face Sri Lanka in a two-match Test series set to begin next week.

The two teams will clash next Thursday in the opener at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua, with skipper Roston Chase still looking for his first victory having lost seven matches and drawn one since his appointment in May 2025.

One of the biggest talking points will be that of Da Silva, who has been recalled in place of Tevin Imlach following a stellar performance in this year’s Regional Four-Day Championships where he captained Trinidad and Tobago to their first title in 20 years.

The 27-year-old, who last featured for the West Indies in December 2024, was the top run scorer and also had the most dismissals by a wicketkeeper.

Da Silva has played in 33 Tests and scored 1,238 runs at an average of 24.76. He has also scored five half centuries and one century.

Roach, who will turn 38 in exactly two weeks, was the Windies’ best bowler during their last Test series in New Zealand in December.

However, his inclusion was unexpected, especially considering the return of fast bowlers Alzarri and Shamar Joseph, who both missed the tour of New Zealand due to injury.

He was also doubtful for the Test series after being forced to withdraw from the County Championships in England back in May after suffering a hamstring injury.

It means Roach joins a five-pronged pace attack that includes both Josephs, Seales and Anderson Phillip — who captured the most wickets by a pacer in this year’s Regional Four-Day Championship.

Amir Jangoo, who played a solitary Test match in January last year, has also been named in the squad on the back of a strong performance in the Regional Championship where he was the second highest run scorer.

However, no room has been found for the inconsistent Alick Athanaze, along with pacers Johann Layne and Ojay Shields, who all featured in New Zealand.

Interestingly, the top wicket taker in the Regional Championship, Gudakesh Motie has been left out, with selectors opting instead to keep vice-captain Jomel Warrican, despite his modest returns in recent times.

Head Coach Daren Sammy said while he expected a stern test from the Sri Lankans, he believed the squad was capable of turning their fortunes around in the format.

“Every Test series is an opportunity for us to grow as a team and strengthen our identity. Sri Lanka are a quality side, so we know we’ll have to be at our best, but we’re excited about the challenge ahead.

“For us, it’s about playing with discipline, showing character when the game gets tough, and representing the West Indies with pride. The players have been putting in the work, and we’re looking forward to putting on a strong display for our fans across the Caribbean,” Sammy said.

As part of the team’s preparations for the series, the squad is currently participating in a high-performance training camp in Antigua which commenced on June 12 and runs until June 22. Those players who competed in the white-ball series in Jamaica joined the camp on Monday.

The camp is focused on technical development, match-specific training, fitness conditioning and team-building activities and also provides the coaching staff with an opportunity to assess player readiness and fine-tune plans ahead of the series against Sri Lanka and the final home series against Pakistan.

“This is a key component of our preparations heading into the series, providing players and coaches with valuable time to enhance and improve the skills we want to see sharpened, based on the areas we need to focus our attention on when facing this opponent,” Sammy said.

“It also gives us the opportunity to put clear objectives and plans in place for the conclusion of the summer against Pakistan. Additionally, the four-day warm-up game prior to the series provides the chance for some of our Test hopefuls to play in high intensity action and create the avenue for more competition within the squad ahead of the upcoming and future series.”

Imlach will captain the 13-man WI Select XI in the four-day warm-up match against Sri Lanka, June 18-21, at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua.

WEST INDIES TEST SQUAD

Roston Chase (captain)

Jomel Warrican (vice-captain)

John Campbell

Tagenarine Chanderpaul

Joshua Da Silva

Justin Greaves

Kavem Hodge

Shai Hope

Amir Jangoo

Alzarri Joseph

Shamar Joseph

Brandon King

Anderson Phillip

Kemar Roach

Jayden Seales