BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - CRICKET WEST INDIES has confirmed that Romario Shepherd has replaced Dwayne Bravo for the T20 leg of the upcoming tour of New Zealand, scheduled for November and December.
All-rounder Bravo, who was ruled out of the upcoming tour due to a groin injury during the ongoing Indian Premier League, will return to the Caribbean to recover.
Shepherd, 25, also an all-rounder, will be playing in his second series after debuting in the Afghanistan series last year.
Speaking with Cricket West Indies media, Bravo said he was looking forward to the series since it has been a long time he has donned the Windies colours in a series.
“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.”
Meanwhile, Shepherd is relishing the opportunity to play with both hands to be in the team.
“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 at all areas of my game so I’m ready,” the all-rounder added.
Shepherd will be part of a large contingent venturing under for the test and T20 series, where they will be in quarantine prior to the start.
