West Indies could "destroy" Shai Hope by keeping him in Test side, says Curtly Ambrose

The 26-year-old promised so much in the longest form of the game when he hit twin centuries in West Indies' famous victory at Headingley in 2017, but he has failed to reach three figures in Tests since

2nd Test scorecard

England v West Indies: 2nd Test player ratings

West Indies risk destroying Shai Hope by continuing to play the batsman, according to Sir Curtly Ambrose.

Hope has struggled with the bat during the ongoing Test series against England, and averages just 14.25 from four innings with a best score of 25.

The 26-year-old promised so much in the longest form of the game when he hit twin centuries in West Indies' famous victory at Headingley in 2017, but he has failed to reach three figures in Tests since.

And while his limited-overs performances have been strong, he has found the going much tougher against the red ball.

Now Ambrose believes West Indies should consider replacing him for the final match of the three-game campaign against England, with Joshua de Silva among those waiting in the wings for a chance in the middle order.

"Something has gone terribly wrong for him since those two centuries at Headingley - he hasn't done anything really in Test cricket since then," Ambrose told Sky Sports.

^{Shai Hope has struggled with the bat in Tests}

"He is a much better player than what he is showing at the moment and is obviously very low on confidence.

"Maybe in the next game we should rest him so he can regain some confidence. If you keep playing him and he keeps failing it will only get worse. You are going to destroy him if it continues like that.

"I like Hope a lot. I think he is a fantastic player but this is not doing his confidence any good. Are West Indies going to go with him again? It's a tough call.

"I am inclined to give him another go but by bringing someone else in he could get totally away from the game for a little bit and get his mind together."

The third and decisive match of the series is scheduled to begin on Friday. A draw will be enough for West Indies to retain the Wisden Trophy, while victory would secure a series win in England for the first time since 1988.

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