MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, CMC – Captain Shamarh Brooks plans to use the West Indies A series against Sri Lanka starting here today, to make a strong statement of intent.
The Barbadian has been on the fringe of senior team selection for a while but has failed to break into the international side and at 29, is quickly running out of time to represent West Indies.
However, the right-hander said yesterday he was eyeing big scores against the Sri Lankans and let the “weight of runs to speak for itself.”
“As a batsman in any type of match, your aim is also to score as many runs as you possibly can, allow the weight of runs to speak for itself,” said Brooks, who averages 31 from 46 first class matches.
“And when you break it down, the goal is always to score hundreds, so that will be one of the things I will be looking to do. In a nutshell, amass as many runs as I can and try to be as consistently prolific as I can be.”
Brooks was among the leading batsmen on the tour of Sri Lanka last October, garnering 249 runs in the three four-day “Tests” at an average of nearly 50.
In the ensuing domestic first class season, he chalked up 434 runs in eight matches at an average of 48, but failed to score a single hundred.
With the new domestic season bowling off later this month, Brooks said the A-team series would be even more crucial, not just for him but for all players, as it provided a vital test of their skills.
“It is a valuable experience. Coming on the back of our expanded first-class season, getting the opportunity to play against this type of opposition is a good experience and good exposure for our players,” he pointed out.
“It is a very important litmus test to indicate where our game is at that period of time, so it is very important level of the game. I think we have a good, balanced side. I can’t say that batting or bowling is our strength. I think we have a good, all-round unit.”
