On the eve of their second and final warm up match ahead of their three-Test series against England, some West Indies players are keen to show that they can fill the void left by Darren Bravo, Keemo Paul and Shimron Hetmyer.
The three players opted not to tour with the Caribbean side amidst the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and despite assurances of an isolated tour inclusive of matches in bio-secure venues.
Top batsman, Shamarh Brooks acknowledged the hole in the batting department left by Bravo and Hetmyer.
“Hety [Hetmyer] and Bravo will be the big misses on the tour,” said the Barbadian adding, “but I think we have the tools to deal with it.”
Brooks suggested that his Barbados Pride and West Indies partners in Shai Hope, Jason Holder, Shane Dowrich and Kraig Brathwaite are players who can step up in the absence of the batsmen.
He also stated that he does not feel added pressure with Bravo and Hetmyer missing.
“When I look around the dressing room there is no reason to feel shy or behind the eighth ball or anything and I play first-class cricket with most of them so really and truly it is to stick to the game plan and enjoy your cricket.”
Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph shared a similar sentiments on Paul’s decision not to tour.
“Keemo Paul is an addition to any team,” Joseph admitted, “he will be missed but at this very moment he decided not to come and we just have to make do with what we have and we have more than capable players to put out a strong team.”
Earlier, head coach Phil Simmons also stated that the absence of the trio was a blow to the side but suggested the players currently in England were the best available.
“Unfortunately, a few guys decided not to come but we are here with the best squad that we can have here. And from the way we’ve started our work, the guys have been putting in, I think we’ll be ready and looking to defend our trophy. We know what we’ll be missing,” Simmons said.
Test Squad: Jason Holder (captain), Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner, Kraigg Brathwaite, Shamarh Brooks, John Campbell, Roston Chase, Rahkeem Cornwall, Shane Dowrich, Chemar Holder, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Raymon Reifer, and Kemar Roach.
Reserve Players: Sunil Ambris, Joshua DaSilva, Shannon Gabriel, Keon Harding, Kyle Mayers, Preston McSween, Marquino Mindley, Shayne Moseley, Anderson Phillip, Oshane Thomas and Jomel Warrican.
