ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Speedster Shannon Gabriel and wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich have recovered from minor injuries picked up in the opening Test and have been passed fit for the second Test starting here tomorrow.
Gabriel limped out of the fourth day’s play at Kensington Oval last weekend with a bruised toe as West Indies romped to an emphatic 381-run victory, while Dowrich also sat out proceedings with a sore back.
West Indies team manager, Rawl Lewis, confirmed yesterday there were no major injuries in the squad as they chased a historic series win.
“[There are] no worries at all. There will always be little niggles after a hard Test match but they are all ready to go,” Lewis said.
He added: “We practised from 2 pm to 5 pm and everyone was there nice and healthy and strong and looking pretty good.”
Gabriel had little impact in the opening Test claiming just two wickets but worked up a fair turn of pace in the second innings before having to go off after lunch.
Dowrich, meanwhile, batted outstandingly in the second innings to finish unbeaten on 116 but was replaced by Shai Hope behind the stumps for the entire fourth day.
West Indies named an unchanged squad for the upcoming Test but have added fast bowler Oshane Thomas as a 14th man, after the Jamaican acted as cover for fellow pacer Alzarri Joseph for the first Test in Bridgetown last weekend.
