Auckland: West Indies One-Day international (ODI) captain Dwayne Bravo is lamenting the absence of Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard and Marlon Samuels from the side as it prepares to battle against New Zealand in an ODI series starting on Boxing Day.
The three players have been injured and will be unavailable for the five-match ODI series which opens at Eden Park Thursday.
Gayle is suffering from a hamstring, Pollard a knee injury and Samuels a chronic right-wrist injury.
"Christ Gayle, Samuels and Pollard, three of our better players we can't hide that. We are definitely going to miss them because they are three world class players,” said Bravo Tuesday.
“Despite the talent we have I don't think any of us can actually fit in those shoes and definitely for me as a captain I am going to miss their ability and also their experience."
Wicketkeeper/batsman Chadwick Walton will remain in New Zealand and replace Samuels in the 15-member squad for the ODI series.
“It's a good opportunity for other players to get the opportunity now and make a name for themselves and try to stamp their authority,” said Bravo.
“So, they are definitely going to be missed but I am not going to use it as an excuse if we don't play well... I think if we play to our true potential we are going to do well."
