Former West Indies wicketkeeper-batsman Jeffrey Dujon has expressed his dismay at the inexperienced squad chosen for the West Indies’ upcoming tour of Australia, where they will play a two-Test series against the current world champions.
Dujon’s criticism highlights concerns about the team’s readiness and the challenges they may face.
Among the 15-member squad, only five players return to Australia for the second men’s Test tour in under a year. These include Test captain Kraigg Brathwaite, Kemar Roach, vice-captain Alzarri Joseph, Joshua Da Silva, and opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul, who impressed during his debut series last year.
Notable absentees
Notable absentees from the squad are all-rounders Jason Holder and Kyle Mayers, who have chosen to participate in franchise Twenty20 leagues instead, and young fast bowler Jayden Seales, sidelined due to a shoulder injury.
The West Indies’ squad comprises seven uncapped Test players, including opener Zachary McCaskie, wicketkeeper-batsman Tevin Imlach, all-rounders Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, and Kevin Sinclair, and pacers Akeem Jordan and Shamar Joseph.
Dujon expressed concerns over the squad’s ability to compete against the experienced and powerful Australian team, emphasizing that Australia doesn’t face a similar situation with their player availability. He likened the situation to “sending lambs to the slaughter” and suggested that sending an inexperienced team against such formidable opposition might not yield significant benefits.
Weakening of Test cricket
Former Australia captain Steve Waugh also criticized the weakening of Test cricket due to the absence of top players from teams like the West Indies. He urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to intervene to preserve the format, as the allure of T20 leagues and a year-round cricket calendar threatens its existence.
Dujon concurred with Waugh’s view, emphasizing that cricket cannot improve unless the best players are consistently involved. He highlighted the challenge faced by cricket boards in controlling player availability and the players’ ability to dictate when and where they play.
West Indies’ last Test series victory in Australia was in 1992/93 when they won 2-1. The upcoming series includes two Tests, starting on January 17 in Adelaide and January 25 at The Gabba in Brisbane, forming part of the 2023-25 round of the World Test Championship.
