WI vs SL: Keemo Paul replaces Shimron Hetmyer for third Test

West Indies fast bowler Keemo Paul has been added to the side following an unfortunate illness to Shimron Hetmyer. While it is unclear whether or not the latter will be available for the third and final Test against Sri Lanka, one thing is clear – the fact that Paul will be anticipated to make his much-awaited Test debut.

Stuart Law, the Windies coach went ahead and stated that they would prefer Hetmyer to fully recover from his illness before thrusting him into cricketing action once again. “Hetty is a big part of our future and now we want him to recover fully from his illness, so he can be at his best for the warm-up match versus Bangladesh,” Stuart Law, the coach, said.

A Test match debut long awaiting

Keemo Paul has been in and around the grand scheme of things in the limited-overs’ format in recent times. Having featured in a handful of ODIs and T20Is, Paul boasts of an average of 25 and an economy of 3.94. His last outing in the international colours saw him pick 1/24 against the World XI.

In the recent context of the ongoing Test series against Sri Lanka, the Windies are currently on the ascendency. Having won the first Test rather comfortably, the second Test saw it’s fair share of controvery. Dinesh Chandimal, the charismatic Sri Lankan skipper was eventually charged with ball-tampering and was subsequently handed a one-match suspension and a 100 percent match-fee fine.

As far as Hetmyer is concerned, he will be expected to be fit for the first Test match at Bridgetown in Barbados. The match will be played under lights and with the pink ball, something that is expected to have it’s own share of historical significance, at the very least.

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