West Indies’ fast bowling all-rounder, Romario Shepherd has tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the team’s tour to Bangladesh.
While Cricket West Indies (CWI) is yet to issue an official statement, this newspaper understands that the 26-year-old was tested on Saturday last while a second test was conducted yesterday.
When contacted, Chief Executive Officer of Cricket West Indies Johnny Grave could not confirm or deny the results of the tests but stated, “Once we have all the test results back we will make an announcement. We are still waiting on results back from Antigua and Barbados.”
West Indies are set to travel today as they make their way to Bangladesh for three 50-over matches and two Tests.
Some 10 players have declined the invitation to be part of the squad including Test captain, Jason Holder and limited overs captain, Kieron Pollard.
Shepherd is expected to be replaced by 24-year-old Barbados seamer, Keon Harding.
The right-arm quick has played 20 List A matches and taken 34 wickets but is yet to make his international debut.
He was with the extended West Indies squad that toured England amid the COVID-19 pandemic back in June last year.
Shepherd, who scored a century and an impactful half century for West Indies A in New Zealand, is likely to be in isolation.
However, while West Indies will miss his services, the Guyana Amazon Warriors ‘yorker specialist,’ if cleared, will be a welcome addition to the Guyana Jaguars squad for the upcoming Regional Super50 one- day competition in February.
Guyana’s preparation for the tournament has been postponed to next week with a fitness test set for January 16, followed by three practice matches on January 18, 21 and 23 at La Bonne Intention Ground.
