Shields among three J’cans in WI squad

ST JOHN'S, Antigua:

Jamaican Ojay Shields along with veteran fast bowler Kemar Roach have been named in a West Indies 15-member squad to face New Zealand in a three-match Test series beginning next month.

Shields is one of three Jamaicans named in the squad, others being Brandon King and John Campbell.

Shields, who was part of the recent CWI High-Preformance Centre (HPC) camp earlier this month, is in line to make his debut in a squad depleted of pacers. The 29-year-old Jamaican fast bowler has played 16 first-class matches and taken 34 wickets.

The 37-year-old's Roach's selection does not come as a surprise, having been invited by CWI to take part in the two-week HPC camp.

Roach, the fifth-highest wicket taker for the West Indies in Tests (285), along with Jayden Seales, will lead the Windies' pace attack missing the likes of speedsters Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph, who have been sidelined for the rest of the year with injuries.

Those travelling from the Caribbean joined the rest of the squad in New Zealand on November 20, giving them considerable time to become acclimatised and take part in a two-day warm-up match against a New Zealand XI in Lincoln, Christchurch ahead of the Test series.

CWI's Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, said all efforts had been made to ensure the squad was one of the best-prepared groups for an away tour to New Zealand.

"New Zealand has traditionally been one of the toughest places for any touring side, which is why strong emphasis has been placed on targeted preparation."

Meanwhile, head coach Daren Sammy strongly believes that the presence of Roach will make them competitive and significantly bolster their chances of upsetting the hosts.

"Kemar has done really well against New Zealand. I'm really excited because when you miss out on two of your leading guys over the last year and you could rely on somebody of the experience of Kemar, in conditions that will be favourable to him with his experience, it gives you the hope that we can compete, we can be effective and we can push through for victories and I can't wait."

With Alzarri and Shamar expected to return to action in early next year, Sammy said it did not mean Roach would be sidelined again.

"I really wish he comes here and puts on a show and then afterwards he comes and says, 'Coach I should have been here'. I would love that actually."

- CMC