Cricket West Indies (CWI) on Wednesday named a 14-man squad for their proposed tour to England for a three-match Test series next month. However, the squad consisted of three players — Keemo Paul, Darren Bravo and Shimron Hetmyer — who refused to travel due to COVID-19 fears.
The series is supposed to start on July 8 and will be played behind closed doors, subjectvto government approval. CWI have also named 11 reserve players who will travel with the squad and stay in quarantine as well so that replacements are readily available in case of injuries.
“The touring party, who will all be tested for COVID-19 this week, are scheduled to fly to England on private charters on June 8,” CWI said in a statement.
“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.”
The West Indies squad is supposed to be train and live in bio-secure environments post their arrival in Manchester on June 9. They will stay there for three weeks before travelling to Southampton for the first Test. The second and third matches of the series, which are scheduled to start on July 16 and July 24 respectively, are supposed to be played in Manchester itself.
West Indies squad: Jason Holder (captain), Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner, Kraigg Brathwaite, Shamarh Brooks, John Campbell, Roston Chase, Rahkeem Cornwall, Shane Dowrich (wicketkeeper), Chemar Holder, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Raymon Reifer, Kemar Roach.
Reserves: Sunil Ambris, Joshua da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Keon Harding, Kyle Mayers, Preston McSween, Marquino Mindley, Shane Moseley, Anderson Phillip, Oshane Thomas, Jomel Warrican