West Indies' Kemar Roach And Shane Dowrich To Return Home; Set To Miss The Wellington Test

The last thing the West Indies needed is for two of their crucial players to miss the second Test against New Zealand after suffering a heavy defeat in the first. But fast bowler Kemar Roach and Shane Dowrich will not be part of the second Test at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. The tourists looked listless in the opening Test in Hamilton, losing by an innings and 134 runs.

Kemar Roach’s father passed away shortly before the first Test in Hamilton; thus, he will return home to be with his family. Roach took three wickets in 30 overs while conceding 114 runs in the only innings West Indies bowled. Shane Dowrich suffered a finger injury and was unable to bat in either innings of the first match; however, the board released a statement saying he was being let go due to personal reasons.

West Indies captain Jason Holder, who was pretty dejected after an underwhelming performance in the first Test, announced that it was unlikely that the duo will play in Wellington. The second Test at the Basin Reserve wraps the tour of West Indies, who have not beaten the hosts so far on the leg. The T20 series, which preceded the Test series, also went in the Kiwis’ favour.

More injury concerns for the West Indies:

Top-order batsman Shimron Hetmyer also remains under the scanner as he is undergoing concussion protocols after copping a blow during the T20 series. All-rounder Keemo Paul is still having treatment for a groin injury. Uncapped keeper-batsman Joshua De Silva, who was one of the stand-by players, has been added to the 14-man squad.

Middle-order batsman Nkrumah Bonner and left-arm fast bowler Preston McSween would also remain with the squad as covers. All three have been the reserved players for the tourists as the COVID-19 protocols have forced teams to name an extended squad for all the tours.

Also Read: T20I Series Win Will Surely Have An Impact On The Test Series: Ashish Nehra