West Indies batsman Shai Hope reckons the upcoming test series against England as the perfect opportunity for his side to come out with a series win.
Speaking at a virtual press conference on Tuesday, the 26-year-old was referencing the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic which caused nearly a near three-month hiatus for the sport and suggested his side now has a chance to better deal with the English bowlers.
Quizzed about the West Indies coming up against the “big names” such as James Anderson and Stuart Broad he responded: “The names speak for themselves but cricket plays on the day. We can’t play names especially in a series like this. It’s the first series back for all of us and it is a perfect opportunity for us to showcase our skills and win the series.”
Hope, who averages 27 from his 31 Tests, believes the series outcome will be determined based on “good cricket” but acknowledged his schooling in England that allowed him extensive cricket in English conditions will aid him in the series.
“It [schooling in England] does have an effect. I wouldn’t say it boils down to the same level of intensity as it would have at the international arena but having said that, it does play a part, I definitely take those experiences with me,” he noted.
However, with only two tons, both of which came in the same Test against England at Leeds three years ago, Hope admitted it will be important for the top order to produce the goods.
“It is very important [for us to get big scores] especially for the team dynamic that we have right now we are missing a few key players and it’s very important for us as top order batters to get those runs on the board especially in the first part of the game, see off the new ball and make it easier for the batters coming down the line. As soon as you get those starts you got to make sure you capitalise and go big for the side,” he stated.
The Barbados-born right hander said that the West Indies will miss the services of Shimron Hetmyer and Darren Bravo in the middle order but added that he was confident the squad can produce performances similar to what the pair would bring.
“I think is more a case where the performance will matter. Yes, we are going to miss those guys they play a big role in the team but is moreso the performance we are going to miss than the player because they could be here and it doesn’t go their way and that’s how cricket goes sometimes and we just want someone to put their hands up and I always stress that point we as batters we put those runs on the board for the bowlers to defend,” Hope explained.
When asked about where he would be best suited in the batting order, Hope was not too worried about the position but rather the production.
“Regardless of which position I bat I have to contribute in whichever way I can and it doesn’t matter if I start at the top or in the middle order just to get as many runs for the team,” he added.
