T20 World Cup 2024: Blow for West Indies! Jason Holder ruled out of WC, Obed McCoy named replacement

West Indies have been jolted early heading into the T20 World Cup 2024. Senior all-rounder and former skipper Jason Holder has been ruled out of the tournament with just a few days to go for the mega event.

Jason Holder who has been ruled out with an injury, has been replaced by left-arm pacer Obed McCoy. The West Indies Cricket Board have also confirmed their traveling reserves for the tournament as well. The board confirmed that Holder suffered the injury in the County Championship 2024 and will require some time to recover.

Desmond Haynes, Lead Selector of CWI, shared his thoughts on this development saying " Jason is an experienced player in our set-up. His absence will undoubtedly be felt both on and off the field. We look forward to having a fully fit Jason with us again soon."

"While it is unfortunate to lose a player of Jason's caliber, we are confident in the abilities of Obed McCoy. Obed has shown remarkable skill and promise in his performances, and this opportunity will allow him to further showcase his talent on the international stage. We believe he will bring a fresh and dynamic energy to the squad" he further said.

Obed McCoy Replaces Jason Holder In West Indies T20 World Cup Squad

Previously Jason Holder spoke highly about playing in the T20 World Cup and winning it for the country. He said that he was ready to give up on red-ball cricket to be fit enough to participate in the tournament. Barring Holder's injury ruling him out, the rest of the squad remains the same.

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CWI also named five reserve players - Kyle Mayers, Matthew Forde, Fabian Allen, Hayden Walsh, and Andre Fletcher adding them to the 15-member squad. They are injury replacements in case that happens.

"We are fortunate to have such depth and quality in our ranks," head coach Daren Sammy said. "Our reserve players are all A-class talents who have proven their abilities in various formats of the game, but certainly T20. Each one of them is fully capable of slotting into the team seamlessly should the situation arise" said West Indies head coach Darren Sammy.

West Indies squad for T20 World Cup

Rovman Powell (capt), Alzarri Joseph (vc), Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Nicholas Pooran, Shai Hope, Andre Russell, Romario Shepherd, Obed McCoy, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford

Traveling reserves: Kyle Mayers, Matthew Forde, Fabian Allen, Hayden Walsh, Andre Fletcher

West Indies are currently playing a T20I series against South Africa without many of their regular players. They are led by Brandon King in the series and have won the series by winning the first T20I by 28 runs and the third T20I by 16 runs.

Thus West Indies will head into the T20I series with a series win under their belt. The return of the senior players will only bolster the side in the tournament.

"It's an amazing feeling, with one game to go, I am very happy. Roston paced his innings perfectly, finished well. Having an all-rounder in T20 cricket is valuable. He (Chase) is bowling in the powerplay, very happy with his performance. SA batters came out with a lot of aggression. Shepherd bowled with clarity and executed his plans. We want to carry this momentum into the World Cup, looking forward to it," said King after securing the series win.

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