Three West Indies players decide to skip tour over coronavirus risk
● CWI insists it will not affect the futures of Bravo, Hetmyer and Paul
Three West Indies players have decided against travelling to England for next month’s Test series, which will go ahead behind closed doors at “biosecure” venues because of coronavirus.
Batsmen Darren Bravo and Shimron Hetmyer and fast bowling all-rounder Keemo Paul have been left out of a 25-man touring party. The group comprises a 14-strong squad and 11 reserves, who will train alongside the main group and be available for selection if required.
A Cricket West Indies statement read: “Darren Bravo, Shimron Hetmyer and Keemo Paul all declined the invitation to travel to England for the tour and CWI fully respects their decision to choose to do so.
“As previously stated, CWI will not hold this decision against these players when considering future selection.”
England announced on Tuesday that, subject to Government clearance, the series will start at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton on 8 July followed by two Tests at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester beginning on 16 and 24 July respectively.
The West Indies team, which agreed in principle to take part in the series last week, will undergo Covid-19 tests in the next few days and are scheduled to fly to England on private charters, arriving into the country on 9 June.
When they arrive, they will be based at Manchester for quarantine and training for three weeks before heading to Southampton for the series opener.
Roger Harper, Cricket West Indies’ lead selector, said: “The new cricketing environment will take some getting used to.
“However, being in England and working together for four weeks before the first Test will give the squad the opportunity to get acclimatised and hopefully, mentally and technically adjusted to the demands of the new environment.
“Playing in July could be a blessing as the weather is likely to be warmer, which will allow the squad more of an opportunity to play its best cricket.”
Middle-order batsman Nkrumah Bonner and fast bowler Chemar Holder, who is unrelated to captain Jason, are the uncapped players in the main squad.
Express paceman Shannon Gabriel is among the reserves as he is working his way back to full fitness following an ankle injury last year.
Harper added: “I think we have a squad that will be very competitive.
“More than half of the squad were involved in the victorious Test series against England in the Caribbean last year so they will bring that experience, that knowledge and belief with them and marry it to the enthusiasm and vitality of the newcomers.
“The experience of the players who toured England before in 2017 will also benefit the squad greatly. I expect that the bowling unit will once again provide a serious challenge for England and our batting will have to deliver.
“England is a tough team when playing in home conditions, however, I think the West Indies has a good chance of retaining the Wisden Trophy. We will have to bat consistently well to do so.”