India in West Indies: Selectors pick rookie Chase ahead of Ramdin for Tests

Veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Denesh Ramdin was predictably dropped from the West Indies squad for the four-Test series against India while uncapped middle-order batsman Roston Chase earned his maiden call-up in the national side.

Chase, who also bowls offspin, had recently played in the two-day practice game against India where he managed only 3 runs. However his first-class average in 29 games stands at a healthy 42.87.

For Ramdin, who has been a part of the West Indies team for last 11 years, having played 74 Tests, a batting average of 25.87 became his undoing. He had in fact tweeted last week that he would be dropped as he has been informed about it by chairman of selectors and former glovesman Courtney Browne.

It also didn’t help matters that he was out of form in the recently concluded tri-series against South Africa and Australia, with only significant contribution being a 91 against the Aussies.

Among others, left-hand batsman Leon Johnson was recalled but pacer Kemar Roach, who did not perform well against Australia during the away Test series last year, was dropped.

Fast bowler Jerome Taylor also did not feature in the 12-man squad as he had informed the board that he is retiring from the longest format, the WICB stated in a release. He will however be available in the shorter formats.

The WICB also intimated that Ramdin has been “sanctioned” for his outburst in relation to his non-selection. In Ramdin’s absence, Shane Dowrich will take over wicketkeeping duties.

Johnson had a good first-class season for Guyana topping the run charts with 807 runs at 57.64, while Chase was fourth on the table, with 710 runs at 59.16 for Barbados.

Shannon Gabriel is the only specialist fast bowler in the 12-man squad, with seam-bowling allrounders Carlos Brathwaite and captain Jason Holder being the other pace options.  Legspinner Devendra Bishoo is the only specialist slow bowler in the squad.

From the tour of Australia, those who were missed are left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican, fast bowler Miguel Cummins and batsman Shai Hope, who had hit an unbeaten century against India in the two-day game.

The first Test against India begins on July 21 in Antigua, followed by Tests in Jamaica, St Lucia and Trinidad.

WI squad: Jason Holder (capt), Kraigg Brathwaite (vice-capt), Devendra Bishoo, Jermaine Blackwood, Carlos Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Rajendra Chandrika, Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich (wk), Shannon Gabriel, Leon Johnson, Marlon Samuels.