Holder replaces Ramdin as Test captain

Young allrounder Jason Holder has replaced wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin as West Indies Test captain.

The 23-year-old, who has played eight Test matches from his debut last year, took over the ODI leadership in December and will lead the side for the first time in their two-Test series in Sri Lanka next month.

The West Indies Cricket Board says the recommendation of Holder from the selection panel was unanimously endorsed by the board's directors.

"He is a young man that all of the selectors, people in the Caribbean and worldwide believe has several of the qualities that can take our team forward,” said head selector Clive Lloyd. 

"We felt the time was right for a change and we feel he will do as well as he did when he was elevated to the position of One-day International captain ahead of the World Cup.

"We had a number of detractors when he was appointed ODI captain, but he showed during the ODI series in South Africa and the World Cup that he had the qualities that were needed to take our team forward.

“We expect to get new thinking and new dynamism from him. Jason commands respect. He is a fine young man, very intelligent and he seems to get the best from the players because he is a straightforward guy.

"I think the players will warm to him. He has a young bunch of players and we feel he can guide them in the manner that is required for internationals."

Lloyd said there were no plans to install Holder as T20 captain as well, saying the Windies are looking at the option of a separate captain for Twenty20 matches.

Ramdin took over as Test captain in 2014 and has guided the side in 13 Tests for four wins, seven losses and two draws.

The wicketkeeper-batsman, who has scored four Test hundreds in 69 Tests overall, averaged 22 with the bat as captain and scored two half-centuries in that time.

"I have spoken to Denesh and he understood the situation and there was no animosity," said Lloyd.

"We just want him to perform a little bit better right now, particularly with the bat, and give of his best and support the new captain."

Holder's elevation comes as the Windies announced a 15-man Test squad to tour Sri Lanka.

Opener Kraigg Brathwaite was announced as Holder's deputy while uncapped duo Jomel Warrican and Carlos Brathwaite are also in the squad.

The side will arrive in Sri Lanka on October 1 ahead of Tests in Galle and Colombo. The two sides will then play a three-match ODI series and two T20 matches.

WEST INDIES SQUAD
Jason Holder (c), Kraigg Brathwaite (vc), Devendra Bishoo, Jermaine Blackwood, Carlos Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Rajindra Chandrika, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Shai Hope, Denesh Ramdin, Kemar Roach, Marlon Samuels, Jerome Taylor, Jomel Warrican