West Indies’ latest addition to the T20I side, Romario Shepherd, is ecstatic about his selection and keen to show the world his talents.
The 25-year-old all-rounder was called up to replace the injured Dwayne Bravo for the three-T20Is against hosts, New Zealand next month.
Stabroek Sport caught up with the Guyana Amazon Warrior during one of his training session yesterday.
“It is very good feeling for me, I am proud of my country, proud of West Indies, each and every time I go out there with that badge on my chest I go out there and I am proud always to represent the Caribbean,” Shepherd expressed.
A member of the Tucber Park Cricket Club, Shepherd professed his excitement to get into the maroon colours and “go out there and show my skills, do whatever is necessary whenever I am called upon.”
Shepherd has so far played two T20Is along with five 50-over matches for the West Indies.
Coming off the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Shepherd picked up six wickets turning out for the Guyana Amazon Warriors.
The slingy seamer declared that it is “exciting” to return to an environment where cricket is played in front of a crowd for the first time but has drawn a lot from the bio-secure environment to which he was exposed to during the CPL.
He said, “CPL was very good, you know getting out there after a long break due to the pandemic, it’s still there but you just got to take your mind off of it, be cautious and use it as an opportunity to showcase your skills.
“It’s [bio-secure environment] mentally tough, you just have to find something to keep you going whenever you are low and cannot go out and stuff like that so you just need to find that thing to remain focus on the main objective which is cricket,” he said.
“It’s just after COVID, first series in New Zealand and they will be coming out hard at us so we just need to go out there and show the skills and back ourselves,” he noted.
The Guyana Jaguars all-rounder confirmed that he had conversations with his family about touring and was happy to have their support.
“I have a young family and we did have discussions, they just want to see me go out there and showcase my talent, so I am thankful and happy they understand,” he stated.
T20 International Squad: Kieron Pollard (captain), Fabian Allen, Romario Shepherd, Sheldon Cottrell, Andre Fletcher, Shimron Hetmyer, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Rovman Powell, Keemo Paul, Nicholas Pooran, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr, Kesrick Williams
