Agencies

West Indies fast bowler Shannon Gabriel has been added to the Test squad for the upcoming England series after successfully proving his fitness in the two inter-squad matches at Old Trafford. Gabriel, who was recovering from an ankle surgery, was hitherto part of the reserves group.

Gabriel, after a poor two-Test series against India in September 2019 followed by an equally dismal County outing with Gloucestershire, went under the knife owing to a troubling right ankle. He returns now, having completed a long rehabilitation and proven his match fitness.

"I am delighted that we are able to add Shannon to the Test squad. He has shown that he is fit and ready, he will add experience, firepower and potency to the bowling unit," Roger Harper, Cricket West Indies lead selector said.

In the intra-squad practice matches, Gabriel bowled in three innings and picked eight wickets for 122 runs.

West Indies will travel from Manchester to Southampton on Friday (July 3) and the first #raisethebat Test will be played at the Ageas Bowl starting Wednesday (July 8).