Bishop labels WI Test team ‘heroes’

Third Test – England v West Indies
Former West Indies’ player, Ian Bishop.
Michael Steele/Pool via REUTERS, file

Former West Indies fast bowler, Ian Bishop, has described the Kraigg Brathwaite-led West Indies Test squad as “heroes” for their decision to tour Bangladesh, especially after several first choice players backed out due to COVID-19 fears.

Bishop, who is now a well-known international cricket television commentator, speaking during the first session on the final day of the opening Test in Chattogram said regardless of the outcome of the series (which West Indies won), the highest credit needed to be afforded the players for their courage.

Braithwaite led an under-strength side in the two Test series following the decision by several first players to decline selection over concerns about the local COVID-19 pandemic.

Bishop, 53, said West Indies went on to pull off the fifth highest successful run chase in Test history by overwhelming 395 to win by three wickets.

“These guys are heroes. They’ve chosen in a pandemic to come down here and should be applauded, whatever the shortcomings,” he said.

Ten players headed by Test captain, Jason Holder and white-ball captain, Kieron Pollard, opted out of the tour to what Cricket West Indies labeled “COVID-19 concerns and personal reasons.

The selectors were then forced to call up a plethora of debutants across both one-day and Test squad, leaving the team short of experience.

Four uncapped players were named in the 15-man Test squad.