India to Kick Off WTC Cycle with Exciting Caribbean Battle

On July 12, India is set to embark on their World Test Championship (WTC) cycle for 2023-2025 with a thrilling two-match series in the Caribbean. To kick off the series, Dominica will play host to India's first WTC match at the venue in over ten years. The second and final WTC Test of the series will be held at Trinidad's Queen's Park Oval starting from July 20.

The tour comprises of a Test series, three ODIs, and five T20Is with the final leg of the tour scheduled to conclude on August 13. The first two ODIs will be held at Kensington Oval in Barbados followed by the third ODI and first T20I in Trinidad. The second and third T20Is will be hosted by Guyana, while the last two T20Is will take place at Lauderhill ground in Florida, USA.

"We are delighted to be able to confirm the schedule and venues for the highly anticipated visit by India. One of the highlights will be the 100th Test at the Queen’s Park Oval and this promises to be a fantastic occasion as we celebrate this historic event between these two proud cricketing nations. We also look forward to hosting India in the white ball fixtures and welcoming fans to attend the matches across the region, as well as in the United States. It will be 18 days of entertainment for cricket lovers to enjoy and savour," said Johnny Grave, CEO of CWI

In July 2011, India participated in their first-ever Test match against West Indies in Dominica's Windsor Park. Interestingly, local prodigy Alick Athanaze, who made headlines for his joint-fastest half-century on ODI debut, has a chance to debut in Tests against India at his home ground.

The upcoming home series of West Indies against India is scheduled to commence merely three days after the completion of their ODI World Cup Qualifier campaign in Harare on the 9th of July. In case West Indies qualifies for the final, their Test experts will be given a brief interval before the Test series opener in Dominica. Additionally, there's a likelihood that the Test players might be withdrawn from the final phase of the World Cup Qualifier to get ready for their home Test series.

When it comes to Test matches, the West Indies have been performing impressively on their home turf. They've emerged victorious in their past two series against Bangladesh and England. Meanwhile, India also boasts a remarkable Test record in the Caribbean. In fact, they've won their last four Test series in the region.

India's Test team is under scrutiny following their lackluster performance in the WTC final against Australia this week. Despite having reached both finals of the World Test Championship, they failed to secure a victory. In response to their defeat at The Oval, Rohit Sharma has called for a change in strategy for ICC tournaments.