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Rookie Chase in, veteran Ramdin out for India Tests

Veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Denesh Ramdin was predictably dropped from the West Indies squad for the four-Test series against India while uncapped middle-order batsman Roston Chase earned his maiden call-up in the national side.
Chase, who also bowls offspin, had recently played in the two-day practice game against India where he managed only 3 runs. However his first-class average in 29 games stands at a healthy 42.87.
For Ramdin, who has been a part of the West Indies team for last 11 years, having played 74 Tests, a batting average of 25.87 became his undoing. He had in fact tweeted last week that he would be dropped as he has been informed about it by chairman of selectors and former glovesman Courtney Browne.
It also didn't help matters that he was out of form in the recently concluded tri-series against South Africa and Australia, with only significant contribution being a 91 against the Aussies. Among others, left-hand batsman Leon Johnson was recalled but pacer Kemar Roach, who did not perform well against Australia during the away Test series last year, was dropped.
 Fast bowler Jerome Taylor also did not feature in the 12-man squad as he had informed the board that he is retiring from the longest format, the WICB stated in a release. He will however be available in the shorter formats.
 The WICB also intimated that Ramdin has been "sanctioned" for his outburst in relation to his non-selection. In Ramdin's absence, Shane Dowrich will take over wicketkeeping duties.
 
Johnson had a good first-class season for Guyana topping the run charts with 807 runs at 57.64, while Chase was fourth on the table, with 710 runs at 59.16 for Barbados.
 
Shannon Gabriel is the only specialist fast bowler in the 12-man squad, with seam-bowling allrounders Carlos Brathwaite and captain Jason Holder being the other pace options. Legspinner Devendra Bishoo is the only specialist slow bowler in the squad.
 From the tour of Australia, those who were missed are left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican, fast bowler Miguel Cummins and batsman Shai Hope, who had hit an unbeaten century against India in the two-day game. The first Test against India begins on July 21 in Antigua, followed by Tests in Jamaica, St Lucia and Trinidad.
 West Indies captain Jason Holder believes it will be a tough challenge for his young and inexperienced team to face the quality bowling and batting attack of World No. 2 India during the four-Test series starting at Antigua on July 21.
"It's going to be a tough series. India is ranked number 2 for a reason. They have a quality batting line-up and a quality bowling attack as well. It will be a tough challenge for this young Test team," said Holder.
"Our Test team is a very inexperienced one, it is one that needs time to gel together and put performances together and get to know one another a little bit more. We're practically in a transitional phase and we're trying to groom a Test team and it will take time."
"One of the big things we fell down in the past is batting 90 overs in a day and setting up a good first innings total. That is something I want to keep stressing in the dressing room. It is important we set the tone whether batting first or bowling first," he was quoted as saying in 'Barbados Today'.
 
Asked about his expectations from the series, Holder said: "For me I need some runs. I scored a hundred last year and haven't had one for a while. I'm at least looking to get a century this series.
 "In terms of bowling, I'm yet to get a 5-wicket haul in Test cricket. So there are a few milestones for me to look ahead to and to look to accomplish. Personally for me it is to pick up that first 5-wicket haul and to look to continue and score some runs." Holder had suffered a hamstring injury in the middle of the tri-series against South Africa and Australia last month but made a come back in the penultimate game.
 West Indies started their training camp on Monday and Holder said he is ready for the gruelling Test series which begins with the opening Test on July 21 at Antigua.
 "Yeah, I'm ready for the series. I feel well rested and it's work time. Again it's a quick turnaround time, just 2 weeks at home, would've loved to have a bit more time off but that's how the international schedule goes." Holder, who made a Test debut in 2014 before becoming the captain in 2016, said he is not too disappointed with his progress so far.
"To be fair, I'm not too disappointed with my progression. I'm still relatively young, 24 years old, and in to the international circuit full on. Seeing where I was in 2014 to where I am now is a significant improvement.