COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, CMC – Carlton Baugh Jr believes a change of attitude has been bringing him results on his return to the West Indies team.
The 28-year-old wicketkeeper/batsman returned to the team for the three-Test series against Sri Lanka at the end of last year.
“I was away from international cricket for a few years, so I’m very excited to be back representing the West Indies,” he said.
“I have made a few changes to my approach, and the way I do things. I try not to put too much pressure on myself, and not burden myself with too much. I look to go out and play my natural game, and stick to the team plans.”
Baugh showed reasonable form with the bat in the recent three One-day Internationals against Sri Lanka.
He did not bat in the first match, but he was not out on 28 off 38 balls in the second match and a career-best 49 from 54 balls in third game.
“I see every game as a big game,” he said. “I see every game as a major opportunity to make a contribution to the team and to West Indies cricket.
“I am really focussed on the job, and I am making strides forward. Since I returned to the team unit, I have a more positive outlook on my game. I believe I can do the job at international level.”
Baugh is now preparing for the World Cup to be co-hosted by India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, and plans to make the most of every opportunity in front and behind the stumps.
“This will be a big occasion for me in the World Cup,” he said. “It is something to which I have been looking forward.
“I am in pretty good form, and I will be looking to take that form into the World Cup. I know what is required of me behind the stumps and with the bat, and I am clear in my mind how to go about doing the job.”
The World Cup opens on Saturday, February 19, and West Indies have been drawn in Group-B along with India, South Africa, England, Bangladesh, Ireland and the Netherlands.
Darren Sammy’s side opens the competition against South Africa on Saturday, February 24, at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in New Delhi, India.
