West Indies prepare for home Test series

The West Indies Senior Men’s team is preparing for two home Test series this summer, facing Sri Lanka and Pakistan. These series are part of the ICC World Test Championship, with the team aiming for crucial victories on home soil before their away series against Bangladesh in November 2026. The matches against Sri Lanka will be held in Antigua, while the Pakistan series will take place in Trinidad.

The West Indies have a strong record at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua, having lost only two of 13 Test matches played there. Their home record against Sri Lanka is also notable, as they have remained unbeaten in Test series against the visitors since 1997. Of the five series contested in the Caribbean since then, West Indies have won twice, with three ending in draws, including the most recent encounter in 2021.

Head coach Daren Sammy highlighted the team’s preparation, stating, “I think we’ve trained specifically to prepare ourselves for the conditions we may face. You know, what we expect here in Antigua and what we must do in order to match the Sri Lankan skill set and get the better of them. We’ve looked at the surface, and we have a fair idea of how it’s going to play. All our preparation has been tailored towards that.”

Key players and milestones

The return of fast bowlers Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph, who missed tours to India and New Zealand in 2025, is a significant boost for the hosts. The pace attack has been a major strength for the West Indies at home, achieving a bowling average of 23.13 since the start of 2024, which is the best among full member nations on home soil during that period. Kemar Roach has claimed 54 wickets at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium at an average of 17.07, while Alzarri Joseph has taken 24 wickets at 24.95 at his home venue.

The series could see Kemar Roach reach a significant milestone, as he is six wickets away from 300 Test wickets, a mark achieved by only four other West Indian bowlers. Additionally, Jayden Seales, at 23 years old, is five wickets shy of 100 Test wickets, having taken 95 wickets in 26 Tests. If he secures these five wickets within his next 212 deliveries, he would surpass Mohammad Asif as one of the fastest bowlers to reach 100 Test wickets in terms of balls bowled.

Joshua Da Silva, Seales’ franchise captain and the wicketkeeper for the series, expressed excitement for both bowlers. He noted, “The senior pro (Kemar Roach) is the senior pro. We know what Kemar has done, what he’s capable of doing and what he continues to do.” He added, “I’ll be really excited for him to see him cross that milestone. The energy and the grit and determination, the banter that he has on the field, it’s relentless and it just shows why he is the cricketer that he is.”

Batting improvements and match details

The team has also shown marked improvements in their batting, with five centuries scored in eight matches in the ongoing cycle, compared to two in the previous thirteen matches of the 2023-2025 cycle. Batting coach Floyd Reifer attributed this to a change in approach, stating, “Over the last year we have put in a lot of work with the batters on their individual plans, and as a group and coaching staff we have pinpointed areas which needed to be improved on. Areas of strength we have sought to enhance, and we continue to see a better attitude towards batting and batting for long periods.”

The battle for the Sobers-Tissera Trophy commenced at 10 a.m. local time on Thursday. The first two days of the match have been designated as student engagement days in partnership with Cricket West Indies and the Ministry of Education and Creative Industries, with primary school students attending on day one and secondary school students on day two.

During the first day, Sri Lanka reached a score of 174 for 5, with Dhananjaya de Silva scoring 59 runs from 97 balls and Sonal Dinusha blocking a delivery from Jayden Seales. The partnership between Sonal Dinusha and Dhananjaya de Silva reached 58 runs, with Dhananjaya de Silva achieving his 20th half-century in Tests.

At one point, Sri Lanka was at 168 for 5 after 39 overs, with Sonal Dinusha and Dhananjaya de Silva having formed a 58-run stand. Roston Chase came into the attack for the West Indies. Earlier, Alzarri Joseph had taken 2 wickets for 43 runs from 8 overs, and Jayden Seales had bowled 11 overs for 47 runs without taking a wicket. At the drinks break, Sri Lanka was 150 for 5 after 34 overs, with Sonal Dinusha and Dhananjaya de Silva having built a 40-run partnership.

The West Indies fast-bowling trio of Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, and Kemar Roach had earlier cleaned up the Sri Lankan top order. Dhananjaya de Silva, the captain, was tasked with leading the batting after Dinesh Chandimal’s fifty.

Source: windiescricket.com

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In a significant development for cricket fans, Evin Lewis has made himself available for Trinidad and Tobago in the upcoming 4-day championship. This announcement comes as he prepares to return to Test cricket after a hiatus of 9 years, a move that could have major implications for both his career and the team.

Lewis, who is currently the top scorer in Division 1 local cricket, boasts an impressive average of 94. His performance in the domestic circuit has reignited interest in his capabilities, especially as he expresses a keen interest in playing with the red ball. This decision marks a notable shift, considering he had previously changed his retirement decision before the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.

His return to Test cricket, if selected, will be a highly anticipated moment for fans and analysts alike, as it has been nearly a decade since he last donned the Test cap. The last time Lewis played in this format was in 2017, and his absence has been felt in the West Indies cricket landscape.

The Caribbean Cricket Podcast highlighted Lewis’s current form, stating, “He is the current top scorer in Division 1 local cricket averaging 94.” This statement underscores the potential impact he could have on the Trinidad and Tobago team as they compete in the championship.

As the cricketing world turns its attention to the upcoming 4-day championship, the stakes are high. Lewis’s performance could not only influence the outcome of the tournament but also shape his future in international cricket.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding his selection for the Test squad, but his availability certainly adds an exciting element to the upcoming matches. Fans are eager to see how his experience and skill will translate back into the Test arena.

With the Indian Premier League generating significant buzz, Lewis’s return to the longer format of the game serves as a reminder of the diverse talents present in the cricketing community. His journey back to Test cricket will be closely monitored by fans and selectors alike.

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Nicola Carey is on a mission to secure her spot in the Australia squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup scheduled for June. Having recently returned to the international scene, Carey is eager to showcase her skills after a break from cricket since December 2022.

Carey played a pivotal role in Australia’s triumphs at the 2020 T20 World Cup and the 2022 ODI World Cup, contributing significantly to the team’s success. With 25 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 31 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) under her belt, she has claimed 19 wickets in each format, demonstrating her all-round capabilities.

After rejoining the Australia XI at the SCG last month, Carey has embraced her reintegration into the team during the ongoing tour of the West Indies. “I obviously haven’t been here for a while, but coming back in, there’s a lot of familiar faces, which is always nice,” she remarked, highlighting the supportive environment of the team.

Australia recently completed a successful T20I series against the West Indies, winning 3-0, which has set a positive tone ahead of the upcoming ODI series. The first ODI against the West Indies is scheduled for March 28, 2026, providing Carey with an opportunity to further prove her worth.

With Annabel Sutherland rested for the ODI series, Carey sees this as an opportunity to step up. “Belsy (Sutherland) is massive for this team, and when you take her out, that sort of leaves a couple of gaps, both batting and bowling,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of filling those roles effectively.

As the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup approaches, Carey expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “It’s a massive tournament. Everyone here would want to be a part of that. That’s the carrot dangling at the end of this.” Her determination to make the squad is palpable as she prepares for the challenges ahead.

Carey’s decision to turn down a Cricket Australia contract in early 2023 to maximize her playing opportunities in domestic cricket reflects her commitment to her career. This strategic move has allowed her to gain valuable experience and maintain her competitive edge.

As the cricketing world watches closely, observers will be keen to see how Carey performs in the upcoming matches and whether she can secure her place in the World Cup squad. Details remain unconfirmed regarding her final selection, but her recent performances certainly bolster her case.

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Under Molineux’s captaincy, Australia achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory in the T20I series, which took place from March 20 to April 2, 2026. This series marked a significant turnaround for Molineux, who had faced challenges in her captaincy debut against India, where Australia lost 2-1. The recent success has not only boosted the team’s morale but also showcased Molineux’s potential as a leader.

In the decisive third T20I match, Molineux made a notable contribution by scoring 25 runs off just 12 balls, helping Australia secure a 40-run victory via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method. Her performance was crucial in setting a competitive score of 211/7, further solidifying her role as a key player in the squad. “Just being able to be out there, to lead the group, and have a really good contribution with the bat in the final match was important,” Molineux stated, reflecting on her experience.

At just 28 years old, Molineux’s journey as captain has been both inspiring and challenging. Appointed on January 28, 2026, she has quickly adapted to her role, earning respect from her teammates and coaches alike. Nitschke emphasized the importance of Molineux’s presence, saying, “It’s been so important for the team and for her to be here and lead the group.” This sentiment resonates deeply within the team as they prepare for upcoming challenges.

The T20I series victory comes at a crucial time as the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 12 to July 5, 2026. Molineux’s leadership will be tested further as the team transitions to the ODI format, with the first match set to begin on March 27, 2026. The upcoming ODIs will provide a platform for Molineux to further demonstrate her capabilities as a captain.

Despite her success, Molineux is currently managing a back injury that has limited her bowling. This situation adds an element of uncertainty as the team looks ahead to the World Cup. However, her batting prowess and leadership skills have proven invaluable to the team’s dynamics. “I relished the knock, revealing work on my power game,” she noted, indicating her commitment to improving her performance.

As Australia celebrates this series win, the focus now shifts to the ODIs, where Molineux will aim to build on her leadership success. The team’s confidence is high, and with Molineux at the helm, they are poised to face new challenges head-on. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the final squad for the ODIs, but the anticipation is palpable among fans and players alike.

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Javon Searles has been provisionally suspended from all cricket activities as he faces four charges under the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Anti-Corruption Code. The suspension comes in connection with the ongoing Bim10 Tournament 2023/24 held in Barbados.

Searles is charged with breaching multiple articles of the CWI Code, specifically Articles 2.1.1, 2.1.4, 2.4.4, and 2.4.2. These charges are part of a broader investigation into corruption within the sport, which has also implicated other players.

Alongside Searles, Chitranjan Rathod faces three charges under the same code, while Trevon Griffith faces four charges, including an additional charge under the ICC Code. All three individuals have been given 14 days from March 11, 2026, to respond to the allegations.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has stated that they will not comment further on the situation pending the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings. This investigation follows previous corruption charges against USA player Aaron Jones, indicating a concerning trend within cricket.

At 39 years old, Searles has a notable history in cricket, having previously played for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). He has also represented the West Indies at the Under-19 level.

During his time in the IPL, Searles claimed two wickets in the 2018 season, showcasing his potential as a cricketer. However, the current allegations cast a shadow over his career and the integrity of the sport.

The charges against Searles and his fellow players are linked to their participation in the Bim10 League, which has raised significant concerns regarding corruption in cricket.

As the investigation unfolds, observers are keen to see how the players will respond to the charges and what further actions may be taken by the ICC and CWI. Details remain unconfirmed as the situation develops.

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Australia has officially unveiled their jersey ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup, which is set to take place in the West Indies and the USA starting June 1, 2024. The new kit features a striking green design, marking the first time Australia will wear a green jersey in the 20-over format.

Mitchell Marsh has been named captain of the Australian T20 squad, leading a team that includes notable players such as Pat Cummins, Tim David, and Glenn Maxwell. The squad announcement comes as Australia prepares for their opening match against Oman on June 5 in Barbados.

In a surprising move, Ashton Agar has been recalled to the squad despite not having played a T20 International since 2022. Meanwhile, Marcus Stoinis and Cameron Green have secured their spots in the team despite their inconsistent performances in the Indian Premier League.

Notably absent from the squad are Steve Smith, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Jason Behrendorff, and Matt Short, who all missed out on selection. This decision has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike, considering the potential contributions these players could have made.

Australia’s squad reflects a blend of experience and youth, aiming to make a strong impact in the tournament. The team’s preparations have been closely monitored, and the unveiling of the jersey has generated excitement among supporters.

As the tournament approaches, Australia will be looking to capitalize on their strengths and build momentum from their recent performances. The absence of players like Matt Short may lead to discussions about the depth and versatility of the squad.

“Going green! Australia’s #T20WorldCup kit is confirmed,” stated cricket.com.au, highlighting the significance of this new jersey as part of their campaign.

With the T20 World Cup just around the corner, the Australian team is focused on fine-tuning their strategies and ensuring they are ready for the challenges ahead. The upcoming matches will be crucial in determining their path in the tournament.

As fans eagerly await the start of the World Cup, the Australian team’s dynamics and selections will be under scrutiny. The excitement builds as they prepare to take on Oman in their first match.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the final adjustments to the squad as the tournament date approaches, but the anticipation continues to grow.

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