Cricket West Indies have named uncapped teenage fast bowler Jayden Seales as a surprise reserve for the Test leg of their tour of New Zealand.
West Indies are due to play three T20Is against the Blackcaps in late November before a two-Test series takes place in December.
The big news from the Test squad is that, as predicted, established batsman Shai Hope misses out following a poor run of form, while Darren Bravo, Shimron Hetmyer and Keemo Paul, who all declined the invitation to tour England some months ago, return.
Jason Holder continues as captain of the side and opening batsman, John Campbell, retains his place, despite struggling in England.
In a surprise move, the West Indies have handed an opportunity to Jayden Seales, who will accompany the Test squad in New Zealand as one of six reserve players.
The 19-year-old featured for the victorious Trinbago Knight Riders in the recent Caribbean Premier League, but he is yet to make a first-class appearance.
“Jayden is a very talented young fast bowler, who is being given some exposure to the West Indies team environment on tour in an effort to fast track his development,” CWI’s lead selector, Roger Harper, told Windiescricket.com.
“He will have a tremendous opportunity to learn and grow as a player as he trains and practices with the West Indies Test players under the guidance of Phil Simmons, the Head Coach, and his coaching staff.”
Seales’ Knight Riders skipper Kieron Pollard will captain the T20 side in New Zealand, although high-profile players Andre Russell, Lendl Simmons and Evin Lewis have all declined selection.
As a result, experienced top-order batsman Andre Fletcher has returned to the fold, while exciting allrounder Kyle Mayers has earned his first call-up following an impressive CPL with the Barbados Tridents.
Dwayne Bravo and Nicholas Pooran have also been named in the 14-man squad as the West Indies up their preparations for the next T20 World Cup.