West Indies top order batsman Shimron Hetmyer has placed family first in his decision to opt out of flying to Australia in preparation for the curtain raising ODI series prior to the commencement of the World Cup, leaving his spot in jeopardy.
Hetmyer was notified that if any further delays were to arise upon the rearrangement of his flight time, after already rescheduling, it would hinder his chances of an appearance in the team.
"With flight availability a real challenge, a seat was found for him to leave Guyana today, meaning he would unfortunately miss the 1st T20 International against Australia on Wednesday 5 October at the Metricon Stadium," West Indies said in a statement.
"This morning, Mr Hetmyer, informed the Director of Cricket that he would not be able to get to the airport in time for his flight this afternoon to New York."
The West Indies board of selectors were left with no choice but to cut the 25-year-old in Hetmyer, stating "we are not prepared to compromise the team's ability to prepare for this extremely important global event".
This, as a result, has now left the door open for a surprise call-up for veteran Sharmah Brooks, entrusted with the opportunity of replacing him in the current travelling side. The right-handed Brooks, who's been informed to fly out "as soon as possible", boasts experience at the ripe old age of 34 to be added to the West Indies outfit.
"Shamarh has been a part of our recent T20 International squads and delivered strong performances in the latter stages of the recently concluded CPL," West Indies Director of Cricket Jimmy Adams said.
Brooks joins the star studded company of Jason Holder and captain Nicholas Pooran as the headlining acts who are set to open their accounts on Wednesday in the first of two Men's T20I's, before meeting Scotland on Monday, October 17 to begin their pursuit of conquering the shortest format on the World stage.
