BSS
  25 Jun 2026, 20:45

West Indies make Sri Lanka bat in first Test

NORTH SOUND, Antigua and Barbuda, June 25, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - West Indies 
captain Roston Chase won the toss and put Sri Lanka into the bat on the 
opening day of the first Test of a two-match series in Antigua on Thursday.

Seeking their first win after eight matches of the current World Test 
championship cycle, the West Indies suffered a setback with experienced 
batsman Shai Hope ruled out with a strained left shoulder suffered in 
training two days earlier.

His place is taken by left-handed batsman Amir Jangoo. Another wicketkeeper-
batsman Joshua da Silva returns to the team after an absence of 18 months.

While West Indies go into the match with four pacers and the additional seam 
option of all-rounder Justin Greaves, Sri Lanka have opted for a mixed attack 
with three seamers supported by two spinning all-rounders.

This is the tourists' first Test match for a year, following a 1-0 home 
triumph over Bangladesh in a similar two-Test series at the end of June, 
2025.

Teams: West Indies - Roston Chase (captain), John Campbell, Brandon King, 
Kavem Hodge, Amir Jangoo, Justin Greaves, Joshua da Silva (wicketkeeper), 
Alzarri Joseph, Kemar Roach, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales.

Sri Lanka - Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Nishan Madushka, 
Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis (wicketkeeper), Sonal Dinusha, 
Milan Rathnayake, Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha, Asitha Fernando.

Umpires: Ahsan Raza (PAK), Sharfudoulla (BAN)

Match Referee: Javagal Srinath (IND)