Three players withdraw from Windies tour of England

Radio Jamaica Sports understands that three players have withdrawn from the West Indies squad for the upcoming tour of England due to fears of contracting Covid-19. Trinidadian Darren Bravo and the Guyanese pair of Shimron Hetmyer and Keemo Paul were initially selected in the 17-man squad but told selectors they were unwilling to make the trip. Cricket West Indies had announced that players have the right to refuse call-up over Covid-19 fears.

Meanwhile, Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner and John Campbell are the three Jamaicans who have made the main 15-man squad. 28 year Blackwood was the leading run scorer in the regional 4-day competition with his aggregate including six half centuries and a top score of 248, while 31 year old Bonner gets his first test call-up after finishing 4th on the runs chart.

22 year old Bajan Chemar Holder is the other newcomer in the squad after claiming 36 wickets in 8 matches. Trinidadian Shannon Gabriel returns after an injury layoff and joins fellow pacers Kemar Roach and Alzarri Joseph.

Jason Holder will lead the squad which is completed by Kraigg Brathwaite, Shai Hope, Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich, Shamarrh Brooks, and Rakheem Cornwall. Eight other players are to be selected as reserves to the main 15. An official announcement is expected to be made by Cricket West Indies.

The three test series behind closed doors will begin on July 8 in Southampton, followed by two test matches at old Trafford on July 16 and 24. The Caribbean men are due to arrive on June 9 and will be based at Old Trafford for initial quarantine and training.