West Indies Captain Nicholas Pooran, speaking on the eve of the final One Day International (ODI) against India, said he was happy to see Shimron Hetmyer passing his fitness test on Tuesday morning. Pooran also disclosed that left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie is ruled out of the ODI series, and Keemo Paul has recovered from his hamstring strain and is expected to return to play.
When asked about Hetmyer returning to the team, Pooran said: “Very soon. I think he passed his fitness test this morning. That is wonderful news, so we expect to see him back as soon as possible. I can’t tell you exactly when, because I am not sure, but, as soon as we can get him on the field.”
“With him passing the fitness test, he is up for selection. I am happy that he came (to Trinidad) and put in the work. That says a lot about him as well. Looking forward for him to be up for selection, and hope he can do well for West Indies, and continue to put smiles on people’s faces and entertain,” Pooran explained.
Motie, who impressed on his ODI debut series at Providence and claimed two wickets in the first ODI has a fracture on his finger. “He is out of the series,” Pooran said.
“Keemo Paul is fit now. He has recovered from his hamstring strain, so I think he is fit for play.” Additionally, Jason Holder is free from Covid-19 and is set to return for the final ODI against India starting Wednesday, July 27 at Queens Park Oval.
The T20I series will begin on Friday, July 29 at Brian Lara Cricket Academy. While Pooran has not disclosed when Hetmyer will return to the team, it is possible to see Hetmyer back in maroon colors on Friday in the first T20I.