West Indies receive major boost ahead of third England Test
A key spinner looks set to return to the West Indies' XI for the final match of the series against England.
West Indies have been boosted by the return of Gudakesh Motie, with the spinner declared fit to take his place in the side for the third Test against England in Birmingham.
While the West Indies trail 2-0 in the three-match ICC World Test Championship series, they will be buoyed by the return of Motie after the left-armer missed the second Test in Nottingham due to illness.
Gudakesh Motie gets the big scalp of Kane Williamson | T20WC 2024
Motie's return to full fitness is soured by an injury to fellow spinner Kevin Sinclair, who has missed out on selection due to a fractured forearm.
Sinclair was struck on the arm by a fast Mark Wood delivery and will miss the series finale, while uncapped pacer Akeem Jordan is in contention for his debut after he was called up for fellow quick Jeremiah Louis.
The squad to battle in the 3rd Test against England!💥
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) July 25, 2024
Go well, boys!👊🏽#ENGvWI | #MenInMaroon pic.twitter.com/AC3stcrO3G
Despite trailing in the series, West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite knows there is still plenty for his team to play for with World Test Championship points up for grabs.
“We have five Tests remaining for the year and, you know, World Test Championship points are still at stake. We have a lot to play for and that’s my thing to the boys,” Brathwaite said.
“You know, we are still in the running for the Test Championship and obviously we’re looking for points as well.”
The West Indies currently sit in last place on the World Test Championship standings and need to pick up some points in Birmingham to remain in touch with the leading teams.