West Indies bring new face to Tigers Tests as Hope rests

West Indies have handed top-order batter Kevin Wickham his maiden Test call-up while resting white-ball captain Shai Hope for their two-match series against Bangladesh, adding a new dimension to the visitors' preparations for the challenging tour.

The 15-member squad, announced on October 13, will be led by Roston Chase, with Jomel Warrican as vice-captain. The series opens in Mirpur on October 28, with the second Test scheduled in Sylhet from November 5.

Wickham's inclusion is the most notable opportunity for a newcomer. The 23-year-old impressed in the 2026 West Indies Championship, scoring three consecutive centuries, including a best of 153. He has six first-class hundreds from 25 matches and could strengthen the visitors' middle-order options if selected in the playing XI.

Hope, meanwhile, has been rested after an extended run across all three formats. West Indies are managing his workload ahead of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Qualifier scheduled for February next year.

Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has also been withdrawn following a medical assessment and consultation with specialists. Cricket West Indies said the decision was taken, with Joseph's agreement, to manage the workload and reduce the injury risk associated with consecutive Test matches. All-rounder Keemo Paul has replaced him.

The absence of Joseph removes a key pace option, although the squad still includes experienced fast bowler Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales and Shamar Joseph. John Campbell has also returned after recovering from a hamstring injury that kept him out of the series against Pakistan.

The tour is the West Indies' final assignment in the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle. The Caribbean side will look to improve its position in the standings, while Bangladesh will have home conditions in their favour.

West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has acknowledged the challenge of playing Bangladesh at home and said a series win would help his team move closer to its target of finishing in the top half of the WTC standings.

The visitors are scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh on October 18 and play a three-day warm-up match in Dhaka from October 22 to 24 before the opening Test.