West Indies will not be able to select a full-strength squad for their Test series in England next month, with reports suggesting the trio of Darren Bravo, Keemo Paul and Shimron Hetmyer have opted to sit out of the tour.
According to Sportsmax, a Caribbean-based TV channel, the selectors have called up Jermaine Blackwood and Shannon Gabriel, in the absence of the above mentioned trio.
The three-match series, which is subject to the approval of the UK government, will mark the return of international cricket after an enforced lockdown due to Covid-19. However, the reported decision of the trio to sit out of the tour is a pointer to the uncertainties that still grip the sport, and the world at large. The UK currently has the second Covid-19 death toll in the world.
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West Indies are expected to leave for England as early as June 8. They will then have to isolate themselves in biosecure conditions ahead of the series, meaning they will be in the country for up to four weeks ahead of the first Test at the Ageas Bowl, starting on June 8 pending the approval of the UK government for the series.
The series will then move to Manchester where Old Trafford will host the second and third Tests from July 16-20 and 24-28.
