West Indies will field their weakest team ever on Australian soil when the former world cricket powerhouse plays Tests in Adelaide and Brisbane.
Perennial world-beaters during the 1980s and early 1990s, the Windies will be a shadow of their former selves as they continue to be impacted by cashed-up Twenty20 leagues.
Former captain Jason Holder has opted out of the tour to Australia in preference for a tournament in the United Arab Emirates.
Fellow allrounder Kyle Mayers has also chosen to play T20 cricket in the South Africa league, which is backed by the Indian Premier League.
Chief West Indies selector Desmond Haynes is confident the team, led by captain Kraigg Brathwaite, can still cause some surprises.
"The squad has been affected by the unavailability of some key players," he said.
"However, we have had a very strong red-ball program being run over the past year which has unearthed significant talent throughout the region.
"The selected players have passed each test given to them and must now be given the opportunity to showcase their skills in the Test arena.
"Australia away is always a challenge, but we are confident in our team."
Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has been named as the Windies' new vice-captain in a squad with seven uncapped players.
The newcomers are batter Zachary McCaskie, wicketkeeper Tevin Imlach, allrounders Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge and Kevin Sinclair, plus fast bowlers Akeem Jordan and Shamar Joseph.
It will be West Indies' second trip to Australia for the Frank Worrell Trophy in as many years after going down 2-0 during the 2022-23 season.
They last won a Test in Australia back in 1997.
The tourists will arrive in Australia on December 30 and hold a week-long camp in Adelaide ahead of four-day match against a Cricket Australia XI, starting on January 10.
The first Test gets underway at Adelaide Oval on January 17, before a day-night Test at the Gabba from January 25-29.
WEST INDIES SQUAD: Kraigg Brathwaite (capt), Alzarri Joseph, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Kirk McKenzie, Alick Athanaze, Kavem Hodge, Justin Greaves, Joshua DaSilva, Akeem Jordan, Gudakesh Motie, Kemar Roach, Kevin Sinclair, Tevin Imlach, Shamar Joseph, Zachary McCaskie.
