McCoy replaces injured Holder in Windies final 15

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC):

WEST INDIES’ bid to win their third ICC Men’s Twenty20 World Cup and become the first team to do it on home soil hit a snag when all-rounder Jason Holder was ruled out of the tournament because of an injury.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) did not specify the injury or the length of recovery time the 32-year-old Barbadian will require but indicated that left-arm fast bowler Obed McCoy will be his replacement in the final 15-member squad for the global showpiece, starting on June 1 in the Caribbean and the United States.

All the teams in the World Cup named provisional squads earlier this month and had until Saturday to make changes, after which they will require approval from the technical committee of the tournament.

According to the CWI media release announcing the final squad, Holder suffered the injury during his five-match stint for Worcestershire in the English County Championship in April-May.

“Jason is an experienced player in our set-up,” lead selector Desmond Haynes, the former Barbados opener and West Indies captain, said.

“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.”

Haynes added: “While it is unfortunate to lose a player of Jason’s calibre, 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.”

McCoy is part of the West Indies side that beat South Africa 3-0 in a three-match, Twenty20 International warm-up series that came to an end yesterday exclusively at Sabina Park in the Jamaica capital of Kingston.

McCoy was the top wicket-taker for West Indies ‘A’ on their tour of Nepal in April-May when he collected eight wickets in five matches at an average of 18.

McCoy will add a tinge more experience to a pace-bowling attack led by vice-captain Alzarri Joseph and Guyanese rookie Shamar Joseph, with newly crowned IPL champion, Andre Russell and fellow all-rounder Romario Shepherd for support.

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

Fabian Allen, Andre Fletcher, Matthew Forde, Kyle Mayers and Hayden Walsh Jr.