Chris Gayle Not Picked For Windies Test Squad vs India

During a press conference in WC 2019, Gayle had hinted that he would retire from international cricket after home Test series against India in August-September

Flamboyant batsman Chris Gayle, who played the last of his 103 Tests in September 2014, will not get a farewell Test match against India on his home ground of Sabina Park in Jamaica. Despite the Universe Boss' desire to have a final international appearance vs India, West Indies selectors on Friday resisted naming him in the Test squad for two-match series, while off spinning all-rounder Rahkeem Cornwall was drafted in, who will likely make his long-awaited Test debut. The opening match of the Test series will be played from August 22-26 at Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground in Antigua. The second match of the series is slated to place at Gayle's home i.e Jamaica, from August 30-September 3. The 39-year-old has 7,214 runs in Test cricket with a highest score of 333 but his career in recent years has been confined to white-ball cricket and franchise T20 leagues. During a press conference in WC 2019, Gayle had hinted that he would retire from international cricket after home Test series against India in August-September. He last played a five-day game in September 2014. Alzarri Joseph, who was part of the team that beat England earlier this year and also made a splash in the Indian Premier League (IPL), was also not named in the squad on Friday as he is still recovering from injury. Cornwall has 260 wickets from 55 first-class games and finished as the leading bowler in the most recent regional four-day tournament. "Rahkeem has been performing consistently over a long period of time and has proven to be a match-winner, so we believe his elevation to the Test squad is merited at this time," Robert Haynes, the head of Cricket West Indies's interim selection panel, was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo. "We believe he can provide an attacking option to our bowling attack with his sharp turn and extra bounce. He can also lend a bit of depth to the batting, so we are looking forward to him coming into the squad and making a valuable contribution." Joseph, meanwhile, was last seen in the IPL playing for Mumbai Indians. He suffered a tear in his right arm. "Alzarri is undergoing remedial work and we are monitoring his recovery," Haynes said. "But we do not think he is ready yet for last five days of a gruelling Test match. He represents a key part of West Indies future and we do not want to rush him back. We have two important series coming up later in the year in India and we want to be very careful how his recovery is managed." West Indies Squad: Jason Holder (Captain), Kraigg Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, John Campbell, Roston Chase, Rahkeem Cornwall, Shane Dowrich (wicket-keeper), Shannon Gabriel, Shimron Hetmyer Shai Hope, Keemo Paul, Kemar Roach