Fast-bowling all-rounder Romario Shepherd has been named as a replacement for the injured Dwayne Bravo as Cricket West Indies announced an updated 14-member T20I squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand on Thursday (October 22).
West Indies are scheduled to play three T20Is and two Tests in New Zealand with the tour get underway with the first T20I on November 27 under the bio-secure atmosphere.
The 25-year-old Shepherd, who made his international debut for West Indies last year against Afghanistan, and has played five ODIs and two T20Is so far. He has been recalled to the national set-up after his impressive outing for the Guyana Amazon Warriors in this year’s Caribbean Premier League.
Bravo suffered a groin injury while playing for Chennai Super Kings in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) and it ruled him out of the tournament and now subsequently New Zealand tour.
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In a statement, Bravo said: “I was really looking forward to the tour of New Zealand as it has been so many months since I last wore maroon in Sri Lanka back in March and we are all so excited about building towards defending our T20 WC next year.”
The all-rounder further added, “Unfortunately, the injury I sustained on Saturday playing for CSK has not only ruled me out of the IPL but also the tour. I'm making arrangements to return to Trinidad over the next few days where I will continue my rehab and treatment. I'm fully committed to representing the West Indies and I just need to get myself stronger again.”
Meanwhile, Shepherd said on his selection: “This is a great opportunity for me, and I want to take it with both hands. I was in the team before, last year, and earlier this year, so I have a good feel of the game at this level. I've been training hard and working in all areas of my game so I'm ready.”
Noteworthy, West Indies will tour New Zealand from November 27 to December 15 to play three T20Is followed by two Test matches as part of the World Test Championship.
Here’s WI’s Updated T20I Squad:
Kieron Pollard (captain), Fabian Allen, Romario Shepherd, Sheldon Cottrell, Andre Fletcher, Shimron Hetmyer, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Rovman Powell, Keemo Paul, Nicholas Pooran, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr, Kesrick Williams
(With Cricbuzz Inputs)
