Won't force any player for England tour in July: WI captain Holder

The tour, which was due to start on June 4, stands postponed until at least July over Covid-19 pandemic. It is believed that the new schedule for the series could be announced at the end of this month.

Windies cricket team captain Jason Holder has said that he won't be forcing any of his players to take part in the England tour, where the two teams are currently scheduled to play three-match Test series this summer.

"Each player has to be comfortable in making the step," BBC Sport quoted Holder.

"It's been made clear if we are to hop on a plane and go over to England to play, it must be safe."

"Certainly from my perspective, I won't be forcing anyone to go anywhere," he added.

The tour, which was due to start on June 4, stands postponed until at least July because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

It is believed that the new schedule for the series could be announced at the end of this month.

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"We've been given assurances from Cricket West Indies that we'd only go over to England if they deem it safe for us to play," said Holder.

"It's no different from a frontline worker going into a hospital every day - they're putting their lives at risk, and still going to make money. The longer we stay off the field, the longer it'll take for us to make money," he added.

Earlier, Cricket West Indies CEO Johnny Grave had said that some of the players will be "very nervous" about the prospect of travelling to the UK amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Gayle opts out ot ODI, T20 series against India, Windies name 3 youngsters

Gayle cited personal reasons for the decision.

Business Standard L: Maverick batsman Chris Gayle Monday opted out of the ODI and T20 series against India citing personal reasons as the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) named three fresh faces for the assignment.

"We will be without our stalwart, Chris Gayle for this Indian tour and the next tour against Bangladesh as he has declined selection at this time, however, he has made himself available for the selection for the visit of England to the Caribbean and the World Cup in 2019," WICB chairman of the selection panel Courtney Browne said in a statement.

The West Indies are currently engaged in a two-Test series in India and are trailing after going down in the opening Test inside three days. The West Indies will play five ODIs and three T20 Internationals. The first ODI will be held in Guwahati on October 21.

With an eye on next year's 50-over World Cup and 2020 World T20 in Australia, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has drafted in three youngsters -- opener Chrandrapaul Hemraj, all-rounder Fabian Allen and fast bowler Oshane Thomas -- in the limited overs squads.

Big-hitting Kieran Pollard, middle-order batsman Darren Bravo and all-rounder Andre Russell have also made a comeback into the T20 squad.

"As we continue our Cricket World Cup preparations, the upcoming tour of India provides a great opportunity to expose some of our young talent," Browne said.

"Opener, Chandrapul Hemraj, all-rounder Fabian Allen and fast bowler Oshane Thomas will get their opportunity to showcase their skills, along with Sunil Ambris, who is returning to the fold.

Russell, however, has been ruled out of all 50-over format due to injury and Alzarri Joseph will undergo a fitness test before leaving for India.

"With the 2020 ICC World T20 two years away and the limited amount of T20 Internationals within the next year, the panel believes at this juncture it is time to invest in the young players that have emerged over the last two years from Windies A and B teams, along with 2018 CPL," Browne explained.

"The selection of a young group two years prior to the World T20 gives the coaching staff time to help them with their skills and for the team to develop into a cohesive and competitive unit.

"The team will continue to retain some experienced players who will work alongside the younger group...offer our congratulations to the players making their international debuts and welcome back Darren Bravo and Kieran Pollard to international cricket," he said.... Read More