We will miss Bravo and Hetmyer, says Holding
Pace great Michael Holding believes West Indies will particularly miss batsmen Darren Bravo and Shimron Hetmyer on the tour of England after they, along with all-rounder Keemo Paul, opted from the series as a result of COVID-19 fears.
The three-Test series is scheduled to be played in July nowadays at 'bio-secure' venues of Ageas Bowl and Old Trafford, subject to British government approval.
"I believe it's unfortunate so far as West Indies cricket can be involved," Holding said on his YouTube channel.
"I'm not going to tell anyone that they must be going to England because COVID-19 is just about, someone may get sick and even worse," he said. "But simultaneously I think it's unfortunate for the West Indies team because these guys have quite a bit of talent, and they're going to be missed."
West Indies dropped Bravo for the one-off test against Afghanistan in November and Holding reckoned the England tour was a missed chance of the top-order batsman trying to revive his stop-start career.
"I am sorry that Bravo in particular isn't going because Bravo, I think, must resuscitate his career," the 66-year-old Jamaican said.
"I believe the more cricket he can play now, specifically for West Indies, the better chance he has to getting back on track and showing everyone the great player that he could possibly be."
Fearless middle-order batsman Hetmyer could also have benefited from the England tour, Holding said.
"Hetmyer, again, I think he's an extremely, very talented player."
"Again, I am sorry that he's not going so that he can get more possibility to express himself. But I am not blaming them for not going."
Ian Bishop echoed Holding's sentiments, saying players must get a choice throughout a health crisis situation.
"You need to give players the option because it's a global health crisis," Bishop told the Trinidad Express.
"If a new player decides he will not want to take that health risk, you can't hold it against him in this context. The players know they are going for a risk if somebody who replaced them goes on to have great success. That's a chance you take," he said.
