Romario Shepherd to replace Dwayne Bravo on new zealand tour
The experienced all-rounder Dwayne Bravo has been ruled out of the West Indies upcoming tour of New Zealand because of a groin injury he sustained on Saturday while playing for the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
West Indies player Romario Shepherd bowls during a practice session at the P.Sara Oval International Cricket Stadium in Colombo on February 14, 2020. – West Indies will play three one day international (ODI) and two T20 cricket matches during their tour of Sri Lanka. (Photo by ISHARA S. KODIKARA / AFP) (Photo by ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP via Getty Images)
The 37-year-old two-time T20 World Cup winner will now return to Trinidad to continue his rehabilitation. He will be replaced on the WI Team by Romario Shepherd, the 25-year-old all-rounder who made his international debut last year against Afghanistan and received his cap from Bravo himself.
Shepherd has so far played in five One-Day International and two T20 International matches.
The defending ICC T20 World Cup champions will tour New Zealand from November 27 to December 15. They will start the tour with three T20Is, followed by two Test matches as part of the ICC World Test Championship.
Bravo has 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 World Cup next year. 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.”
Shepherd has said: “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 on all areas of my game, so I’m ready.”
FULL SQUADS
T20I Squad
Kieron Pollard (captain)
Fabian Allen
Sheldon Cottrell
Andre Fletcher
Shimron Hetmyer
Brandon King
Kyle Mayers
Rovman Powell
Keemo Paul
Nicholas Pooran
Romario Shepherd
Oshane Thomas
Hayden Walsh Jr
Kesrick Williams
Test Squad
Jason Holder (captain)
Jermaine Blackwood
Kraigg Brathwaite
Darren Bravo
Shamarh Brooks
John Campbell
Roston Chase
Rahkeem Cornwall
Shane Dowrich
Shannon Gabriel
Shimron Hetmyer
Chemar Holder
Alzarri Joseph
Keemo Paul
Kemar Roach
MATCH SCHEDULE
November 27: 1st T20I at Eden Park, Auckland
November 29: 2nd T20I at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
November 30: 3rd T20I at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
December 3-7: 1st Test at Seddon Park, Hamilton
December 11-15: 2nd Test at Basin Reserve, Wellington
