Gabriel added to Windies Test squad

MANCHESTER, England (CMC):

Pacer Shannon Gabriel has forced his way into the Windies squad for the three-Test series against England starting on Wednesday.

The 32-year-old has been a regular member of the Windies Test XI in recent years but was included among 11 reserves for the current tour after being forced out of competitive cricket because of ankle surgery in December.

Gabriel had hoped to prove his fitness at the back end of the West Indies first-class championship, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced the abandonment of the last two rounds back in March.

Excluded from the 14-man Test squad for the series, Gabriel impressed in the two ‘inter-squad’ warm-up matches, taking four wickets in last week’s three-day match and another four in his only bowl in the four-day game that ended here yesterday.

On both occasions, the Trinidadian looked sharp and bowled with pace, and chief selector Roger Harper said his inclusion would be a boost to the fast-bowling attack.

“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,” Harper said.

Gabriel has taken 133 wickets from 45 Tests and was a key member of the Windies side that beat England 2-1 in the Caribbean last year to recapture the Wisden Trophy for the first time in a decade.

He is expected to form a four-pronged pace attack with captain Jason Holder, Kemar Roach, and Alzarri Joseph for the upcoming first Test at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton.

The Caribbean side, who have been based here at Old Trafford since their arrival in the United Kingdom nearly a month ago, will head to the south coast today to beef up preparations.

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

Kemar Roach