Source: CNW
West Indies have received a timely boost ahead of the second and final Test against Sri Lanka, with wicketkeeper-batsman Shai Hope declared fit after recovering from the shoulder injury that sidelined him for the series opener.
Cricket West Indies (CWI) confirmed Wednesday that Hope has fully overcome the left shoulder strain he suffered during a training session before the opening Test and is once again available for selection.
His return comes as the Caribbean side looks to capitalise on the momentum generated by a commanding performance in the first match and complete a clean sweep of the two-Test series.
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Training return signals full recovery.
Hope’s injury occurred during a practice session in the lead-up to last week’s opening Test at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, forcing him to miss the contest.
After several days of rehabilitation, the experienced wicketkeeper-batsman rejoined the squad for its final training session ahead of Friday’s second Test, providing a welcome selection option for the team management.
Cricket West Indies confirmed his recovery in an official statement.
“Shai Hope has recovered from the left shoulder strain that ruled him out of the first Test and is now available for selection.”
The governing body also confirmed that Hope had fully resumed preparations with the squad.
“Hope participated in the team’s final training session this afternoon ahead of the second Test, which gets underway on Friday at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.”
Windies seek to finish the job.
Hope returns to a West Indies team brimming with confidence after dismantling Sri Lanka emphatically in the opening Test.
The home side cruised to an innings-and-217-run victory, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series and placing itself within one win of completing a series sweep.
With Hope now back in contention, the West Indies head into Friday’s decisive encounter with an additional experienced option as they seek to maintain their dominance and close out the series on home soil.
The second Test begins Today, Friday, at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, where the West Indies will look to build on their commanding start and secure another comprehensive performance against Sri Lanka.