Shimron Hetmyer, Darren Bravo and Keemo Paul have opted against travelling with the West Indies squad for their tour of England in July.
The West Indies announced their 25-man squad on Wednesday that will depart for the UK next week.
Cricket West Indies said it respects the decision of the trio to decline the invitation, given the severe protocols that have been put in place for the tour.
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‘CWI fully respects their decision to choose to do so. As previously stated, CWI will not hold this decision against these players when considering future selection,’ read a media release from the board’s chairman of selectors, Roger Harper.
The West Indies will still boast a particularly strong and experienced contingent for the three-match Test series. Half of the players featured in last year’s Wisden Trophy between the two countries in the West Indies, comprehensively won by Jason Holder’s men.
‘The experience of the players who toured England before in 2017 will also benefit the squad greatly. I expect that the bowling unit will once again provide a serious challenge for England and our batting will have to deliver.
‘England is a tough team when playing in home conditions, however, I think the West Indies has a good chance of retaining the Wisden Trophy. We will have to bat consistently well to do so,’ added Harper.
Earlier this week the ECB confirmed the revised dates for the tour, with the first Test match starting on 8 July at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton.
ECB confirms dates for West Indies tour
The following two Tests will both be played at Old Trafford in Manchester as part of the ECB’s safety guidelines to keep the West Indies squad and management in a secure bio-bubble.
The squad will also travel on a privately chartered plane before spending three weeks at the Old Trafford training facility where they will undergo regular testing for Covid-19 as well as be strictly monitored in terms of movement.
The UK government, however, will now need to provide the final approval for the series to continue, which will kickstart England’s already delayed summer season of cricket.
