KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Though better known for his fiery fast bowling, Tino Best believes he has more to offer the West Indies with the bat.
Last month, the 30-year-old made history when he made the highest score by a number 11 in Test cricket when he stroked a highly entertaining 95 against England in the drawn third Test at Edgbaston. Now, as the right-armer gears up for the first One-Day International against New Zealand starting here tomorrow, he says his batting can play a role in the team’s success. “I don’t see myself as a number 11. I see myself as someone who can make a contribution with the bat,” Best said.
“My job is basic. When I get the opportunity to bat with a specialist batsman, just to play each ball on merit and to play straight, as I was taught in my teenage years, and offer support.
“I also need to be more selective in the shots I attempt, and in general be a more mature cricketer.”
Best was not a part of the squad for the two Twenty20 Internationals in Florida last week but is a member of the 13-man unit for the first two ODIs scheduled for Sabina Park.
The charismatic Barbadian said he was looking forward to featuring in the two contests as Sabina Park was one of the grounds in the Caribbean where he enjoyed bowling.
“I love Jamaican people … I love playing in Jamaica. Sabina Park is up there among my favourite venues,” he said.
“It’s right here where I got my first Test wicket and I’ve done well playing here for Barbados as well. I enjoy the food, the culture, the atmosphere, and the people give me a lot of support.” He added: “The pitch here also has something for the faster bowlers, like myself, so I will look to run in and bowl as quickly as I can and get wickets for West Indies.
“Our attack is good. Andre Russell is a wicket-taker. Ravi Rampaul has been doing well for West Indies for the last year-and-a-half. We have a good mixture in our attack.”
Best has only played sporadically for West Indies since making his international debut nine years ago.
And while his record – he has taken 13 wickets in as many ODIs – is hardly anything to write home about, Best says he was constantly working at improving his game and was keen on helping West Indies win. “I’m working on my variations. I’ve been given a job to bowl fast, try to create pressure and get early wickets, and I will give my all and try to do that. I’m looking forward to this opportunity as I join a winning unit,” Best noted. “The guys made a strong statement by winning in Florida. It feels good to be back in a winning circle and we will look to carry that formula into the One-Dayers when we get going later this week.”`
