Keemo Paul has earned a surprise recall to the West Indies Test squad of 16 players, marking a significant opportunity for the Guyanese all-rounder to revive his red-ball international career ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Antigua.
Paul, who has not featured in a Test match since 2019, was drafted into the squad following West Indies’ emphatic innings-and-217-run victory in the opening Test. His inclusion has generated interest, with the 28-year-old viewed as a player capable of adding valuable balance through his lively seam bowling and aggressive lower-order batting. He was among the leading allrounders in the regional four-day first-class competition for Guyana Harpy Eagles in April and May, helping them reach the final.
Paul has played three Test matches, taking six wickets while also showing glimpses of his batting ability. His first-class record is encouraging, with more than 100 wickets and over 1 000 runs, highlighting his value as a genuine all-round option.
Meanwhile there has been no update on the fitness of Shai Hope who missed the first Test with a shoulder injury. It was announced last week that he suffered damage during training two days prior to the opening contest. It is not sure if he will be fit and available for the second Test which bowls off at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua on Friday at 10 a.m.