WI’s Shepherd out of BD tour with coronavirus

DHAKA: All-rounder Romario Shepherd has failed a coronavirus test ahead of the West Indies’ arrival in Bangladesh, further depleting a squad already reeling from coronavirus problems.

The West Indies squad, due to arrive in Dhaka on Sunday, has already lost eight established stars including Kieron Pollard and Darren Bravo who chose not to travel in the pandemic.

West Indies have called up Keon Harding to replace Shepherd in the squad which will play three one-day internationals, two Twenty20s and two Tests in Bangladesh.

The tourists will undergo seven days’ quarantine after their arrival. The first ODI is January 20.

Shepherd returned a positive Covid-19 test in his Guyana hometown, Cricket West Indies said in a statement.

“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 travel date,” it said.