Harding confirmed as Shepherd’s replacement for Bangladesh tour

The Cricket West Indies (CWI) Selection Panel has named Keon Harding as the replacement for Romario Shepherd in the One-Day International (ODI) squad that will play three ODIs later this month.

All-rounder Shepherd returned a positive COVID-19 test in his Guyana hometown and will therefore be unavailable for the Bangladesh 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’s travel period. Some members of the touring party departed on Thursday, while others will leave on Friday.

Following established medical protocols, CWI started the first of a series of COVID-19 tests, on all members of the Bangladesh touring party on January 2 and following receipt of the results, CWI can confirm that all other members of the touring party have returned negative results. All members of the touring party took their second and final pre-travel COVID-19 test on Thursday.

Harding, an exciting young 24-year-old fast bowler, was among the traveling reserves for the Sandals West Indies Test tour of England last summer.

West Indies ODI Squad: Jason Mohammed (captain), Sunil Ambris (vice-captain), Nkrumah Bonner, Joshua Da Silva, Keon Harding, Jahmar Hamilton, Chemar Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Andre McCarthy, Kjorn Ottley, Rovman Powell, Raymon Reifer and Hayden Walsh Jr.

West Indies Test Squad: Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Jermaine Blackwood (vice-captain), Nkrumah Bonner, John Campbell, Rahkeem Cornwall, Joshua Da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Kavem Hodge, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Shayne Moseley, Veerasammy Permaul, Kemar Roach, Raymon Reifer and Jomel Warrican.

Full Tour Schedule

January 10: West Indies arrive

January 18: One-day warm-up match, BKSP, Savar

January 20 1^st ODI, SBNCS, Dhaka

January 22: 2^nd ODI, SBNCS, Dhaka

January 25: 3^rd ODI, ZACS, Chattogram

January 28-31: Four-day warm-up, M.A. Aziz Stadium, Chattogram

February 3-7: 1^st Test Match, ZACS, Chattogram

February 11-15: 2^nd Test Match, SBNCS, Dhaka