West Indies wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin has been axed as Test captain after just 15 months in the position and was replaced by Barbadian One-Day skipper Jason Holder, for the tour of Sri Lanka next month.
Holder, 23, who has played eight Tests and 33 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), will lead a 15-man squad for the Oct. 14 to Nov. 12 series which comprises two Tests, the ODIs and two T20s.
The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) said the recommendation by the Clive Lloyd-chaired selection panel to make him Test captain had been “endorsed unanimously” by directors, during a recent teleconference.
“The directors discussed the recommendation put forward by the selectors. We have all seen Jason’s clear leadership potential and believe he can perform an excellent job for West Indies cricket over many years. We congratulate him on his appointment,” WICB President Dave Cameron said.
“We would like to thank Denesh for taking on the responsibility of leading the Test side over the last 15 months. He remains and integral part of West Indies cricket and will continue to have a vital role in our Test side,” he said.
Ramhin, 30, was appointed captain in May last year, replacing the long-serving Darren Sammy. He led West Indies in 13 Tests- winning four, losing seven and drawing two.
As captain he managed 472 runs at an average of 22, and a highest score of 57.
Lloyd said the decision to remove Ramdin was with the view of getting more from the player with the bat, and said he had spoken to the veteran of 69 Tests about his new role in the side.
Barbados-left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican is the only new face in the team, with uncapped all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite also included. Warrican, 23, took 49 wickets at nearly 15 runs apiece during the first class season.
The squad will undergo a preparation camp in Barbados from Sept. 20 before departing for Sri Lanka a week later.
