John Campbell and Kraigg Brathwaite are considered the two best Test openers in the Caribbean, and they are the lone specialist openers in the Test squad selected to play New Zealand in the two Test matches.
It has been made clear that Guyana’s Shimron Hetmyer has been selected in the Test squad to boost the West Indies’ middle-order. Lead selector Roger Harper said on Wednesday in a virtual press conference that Hetmyer opening the batting in Test has not been considered at all.
However, while responding to a question posed by this daily publication, Harper discreetly said ‘things’ can change, and depending on the circumstances, Hetmyer opening the batting could be considered as time passes.
In recent press conferences, Harper has said the talented Hetmyer has the ability to become one of the best batsmen in the world, but
after 16 Test matches and 30 innings for the West Indies, Hetmyer is yet to score a Test century.
Despite his poor showing in the longer formats, Hetmyer has shown skill and ability on different occasions wherever he plays. However, consistency has been his issue, as it has been for many other Caribbean batting talents.