West Indies forced into squad change at Cricket World Cup Qualifier

Dubai: West Indies have replaced Yannic Cariah in their squad for the Cricket World Cup Qualifier after the all-rounder was ruled out due to a nasal fracture.

Kevin Sinclair has been added to the West Indies squad for the critical Super Six stage of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2023.

The emerging off-spinner will take the place of Yannic Cariah who has been ruled out after sustaining a nasal fracture when struck in the face in training ahead of the Cricket World Cup Qualifier.

Sinclair will join up with the squad in Harare on June 29 ahead of West Indies’ next fixture against Scotland on July 1, the ICC reported.

The 23-year-old has played four ODIs and impressed in his most recent outing in maroon with 4/24 against UAE earlier this month as the West Indies tuned up for the Cricket World Cup Qualifier.

Sinclair has taken nine ODI wickets at an average of 16.33 and is quickly becoming known for his acrobatic celebrations as much as his bowling.

The young spinner joins a squad with their work cut out to qualify for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in India later this year, with the West Indies carrying zero points into the Super Six stage at the Cricket World Cup Qualifier.

West Indies lost both of their now pivotal group matches against Zimbabwe and Netherlands, so will be aiming to keep their qualification hopes alive with victories over Sri Lanka, Scotland and Oman in the Super Six stage.

The men in maroon kick off their Super Six campaign against Scotland at Harare Sports Club on July 1. (UNI)