West Indies name debutant Mikyle Louis for first England Test

Ahead of their upcoming ICC World Test Championship 2025 match against England at Lord’s, the West Indies have introduced a debutant into their lineup.

Mikyle Louis, a promising 23-year-old batsman from St Kitts, will make his debut in the opening Test against England. His selection marks a historic moment as he becomes the first player from St Kitts to represent the West Indies in Test cricket.

Louis has demonstrated impressive form in Caribbean First Class cricket, boasting an average of 48.71 across 14 innings for the Leeward Islands. His record includes three centuries and four half-centuries, with recent scores of 52, 80, 100, and 33 in his last four innings. Additionally, he displayed his capability with a fifty against a County Select XI in preparation for this Test match.

Louis secured his place in the XI ahead of Zac McCaskie and will partner skipper Kraigg Brathwaite at the top of the batting order in a relatively inexperienced West Indies side.

In anticipation of the match, Brathwaite urged his team, especially the younger players like Louis, to aim high and not settle for less than excellence.

“We have our strategies in place, so believe in them. And enjoy the moment as well, because playing in England is always special. We are eagerly looking forward to the series.”

The West Indies made headlines recently by defeating Australia in Brisbane, thanks in large part to a remarkable bowling performance from Shamar Joseph, who took 7/68 in the second innings. Reflecting on that victory, Brathwaite emphasized the need for consistency going forward.

“While that win was a great boost for us, our focus now is on maintaining that level of performance consistently. We took a lot of positives from that game, particularly in our batting partnerships and bowling effort.”

West Indies Playing XI: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Alick Athanaze, Joshua Da Silva, Kavem Hodge, Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Mikyle Louis, Kirk McKenzie, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales.