West Indies resume preparatory camp for SA series after all players tests negative

The West Indies contingent has resumed training in full swing at the preparatory camp in St Lucia in the lead up to their two-match Test series against South Africa. All the players part of the preparatory camp has returned negative COVID-19 reports in order to resume full-fledged practice.

Training sessions had to be cancelled after fast bowler Marquino Mindley tested positive for the deadly virus on 22nd May. In the following days, the players were only allowed to train in smaller groups.

It was confirmed by the West Indies Cricket Board that players were divided into two groups and underwent practice sessions on Friday and Saturday. Meanwhile, Mindley who tested positive earlier has also returned a negative report. However, he can only join the squad back after one more negative RT-PCR test.

In order to get some practice under their belt, the players will lock horns against each other in a Best vs Best four-day practice game starting on Monday. Meanwhile, West Indies head coach Phil Simmons was satisfied with how things are turning up at the preparatory camp.

"I am happy that we are back to full training. We are happy with the preparations up to this point and everyone is fully aware of what is required. Yes, we had four good Test matches (vs Bangladesh and Sri Lanka), but at the same time, people need to know that their position is not guaranteed unless they continue to play well. Guys who are out, need to show that they want to get back in by doing well in these games. So, it is a benefit to every one of us,” Simmons said.

West Indies will lock horns against the Proteas in two Tests starting on 10 June at St Lucia. It will be followed by a five-match T20I series slated to be played in Grenada. West Indies will also host Pakistan and Australia in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup in November.

Full training camp squad

Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner, Darren Bravo, Shamrah Brooks, John Campbell, Roston Chase, Rahkeem Cornwall, Keron Cottoy, Joshua Da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Keon Hoarding, Jahmar Hamilton, Kavem Hodge, Chemar Holder, Shai Hope, Kyle Mayers, Obed McCoy, Preston McSween, Marquino Mindley, Shayne Moseley, Paul Palmer Jr, Veerasammy Permaul, Anderson Philip, Kieran Powell, Raymon Reifer, Jayden Seales, Nial Smith, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr, Jomel Warrican

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