West Indies are to be without three key talents when they arrive in England to face Joe Root’s Test side next month, according to reports.
Various reports, including from SportsMax and the Daily Mail, claim that Darren Bravo, Shimron Hetmyer and Keemo Paul have opted against taking part in the series.
The three-match Test series has been given the green light to go ahead despite ongoing health and safety fears surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.
Yet while the West Indies Cricket Board appeared willing to co-operate with England’s plan to reschedule the delayed series, it is hardly a surprise that some players are not.
The series is expected to begin at Southampton’s Ageas Bowl on July 8, before the final two Tests take place at Old Trafford.
These two locations have been sanctioned for the entire tour as they both have sufficient coronavirus contingencies in place, including on-site hotel facilities for the visiting team.
Nevertheless, the absence of Bravo, Paul and Hetmyer could be seen as a blow.
Bravo, the most experienced in the trio, averages just under 38 from 54 Test matches.
Hetmyer, meanwhile, has fared much better in the limited overs arenas (averaging below 30 in Tests) but could still have played an important role in their middle-order.
As for Paul, the 22-year-old has a bright international future ahead of him; he’s had just a mere taste of Test cricket with three appearances – the last against England in 2019.
Jermaine Blackwood and Shannon Gabriel have been recalled to the squad in their absence.
They join the likes of captain Jason Holder, Kraigg Brathwaite, Shai Hope, Shane Dowrich, Roston Chase, Kemar Roach and John Campbell – familiar foes of England.
Rakheem Cornwall, Alzarri Joseph, Shemarh Brooks, Nkrumah Bonner, Chemar Holder and Raymon Reifer complete the 15-man touring party.
England, meanwhile, announced a 55-man training squad ahead of the summer internationals (beginning with West Indies) last week.
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