ST. JOHN’S Antigua, CMC – West Indies are likely to activate their third World Cup reserve to replace injured vice-captain Dwayne Bravo.
The regional governing body confirmed yesterday that all-rounder Bravo has been ruled out of the World Cup with a knee injury he sustained during Thursday’s World Cup defeat by South Africa.
Bravo is expected to be out of cricket action for a minimum of four weeks, and will return to the Caribbean for further orthopaedic assessments and to commence rehabilitation.
“This is a blow for us,” said West Indies coach Ottis Gibson. “Dwayne is our vice-captain and one of the key members of our team.
“He has been showing good form with the bat, and batted well against South Africa on Thursday.
“He is also a livewire in the field and a reliable bowler. We wish him a speedy recovery, and hope he gets back on the field soon.”
Bravo sustained the injury while fielding to his own bowling, and hobbled off the ground with the assistance of two teammates. He had an MRI scan on his injured left knee, which revealed a sprain of his anterior cruciate ligament, and tear of the knee cartilage.
The WICB has applied to the technical committee of the World Cup for a replacement player for the duration of the World Cup.
West Indies already have already applied for replacements for the injured duo of opener Adrian Barath and wicketkeeper/batsman Carlton Baugh Jr.
Batsman Kirk Edwards and wicketkeeper/batsman Devon Thomas joined the side last Monday to boost the squad.
Fast bowler Tino Best was named one of three reserves by the West Indies selectors for the World Cup, but his well-publicised recent travails with the Barbados national team may sadly prompt the selectors to rethink about their replacement.
Best could offer some much-needed firepower to the attack, which looked powerless, as the South Africans cantered to a seven-wicket victory. Best however, could miss his World Cup chance, after Barbadian officials disciplined him over his conduct at a training session, and he was dropped for the second round match against the England Lions.
He returned to play against Jamaica, but understandably he was not at his best, and the national selectors dropped him for the ongoing fourth round match against on the road Guyana.
