Harding replaces Shepherd in Windies ODI squad

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC):

Fast-bowling all-rounder Romario Shepherd has tested positive for COVID-19, and has been replaced in the West Indies One-Day International (ODI) squad for Bangladesh by uncapped pacer Keon Harding.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) said Shepherd, 26 years old, had returned the positive test in Georgetown, Guyana, where he is from, effectively ruling him out of the January 10 to February 15 tour.

“In accordance with the established Government stipulations, Shepherd will remain in Guyana where he is undergoing a period of isolation that unfortunately will extend beyond the team travel date,” CWI said.

Shepherd was the only positive test across the ODI and Test squads as the remainder of the travelling contingent all completed second negative tests on Wednesday.

Testing, which began on January 2, is mandatory for all travelling players and officials as part of new health protocols triggered by the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

SETBACK

Shepherd’s positive test is a further setback for West Indies, who already lost 10 first-choice players for the Test and ODI tour due to fears over the COVID-19 situation in Bangladesh.

ODI captain Kieron Pollard, Test skipper Jason Holder, Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, Roston Chase, Sheldon Cottrell, Evin Lewis, Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer, and Nicholas Pooran all declined selection for the tour.

Bangladesh has recorded nearly 520,000 infections overall and just over 7,700 deaths, after reporting another 1,007 new cases and 31 deaths on Thursday.

However, CWI gave the clearance for the tour after a recent review of the tour’s health protocols carried out by Dr Akshai Mansingh of its medical advisory committee.

Shepherd now misses out on the chance for senior West Indies colours, especially after his form on the A-side’s tour of New Zealand last month.

He scored 133 in the opening four-day “Test” at Mount Maunganui to mark his maiden first-class hundred before hitting an unbeaten 77 in the second match at Nelson.

Shepherd has already played five ODIs, having made his debut 15 months ago against Afghanistan in India.

His replacement Harding toured England last July with the West Indies as part of the reserve squad for the three-Test series, but missed out on the tour of New Zealand.

Harding, 24 years old, took 29 wickets at 23 runs apiece for champions Barbados Pride.

West Indies are departing the region in several groups and are set to arrive in Dhaka via Dubai tomorrow.

They are scheduled to play three ODIs from January 20-25 before facing the hosts in two Tests from February 3-15.