A new-look West Indies, faced with COVID-19 drama, will face Pakistan in the first T20I today from 09.00 hours but skipper, Nicholas Pooran remains optimistic.
The side is without Kyle Mayers, Sheldon Cottrell and Roston Chase after they tested positive for the deadly coronavirus, forcing West Indies to rethink their strategy in the series opener.
As a result, West Indies are down to 12 players with no replacements named and it could pave the way for Gudakesh Motie, Dominic Drakes and Odean Smith to be handed debuts.
It could also mean a return for Shai Hope who last played a T20I over two years ago.
“It’s unfortunate a couple of guys got COVID, anyone could get it. We had an original plan of what the XI was going to look like, who’s going to play, who’s not but in saying that, other guys will get the opportunity to showcase their talents and abilities and I am really looking forward to them taking the opportunity.”
The young wicketkeeper/batsman will skipper the side in the absence of captain and regular leader, Kieron Pollard who is out of the series due to injury.
Pooran believes this is an opportunity for the newbies to make a name for themselves as well as the team “sticking together, working to our plans and just being hungry for success.”
He said, “It’s a building stage for us now. It’s unfortunate that we don’t have other senior players here but in saying that, I am very excited to see this new crop of players on the cricket field. There are a lot of talented players here, a lot of special players here especially when it comes to the shorter format of the game and I am very excited to see what’s going to happen.”
The captain name dropped Smith, Romario Shepherd and Drakes as some of the bright all-rounders who have been groomed by Bravo.
He said that Pakistan is playing well this year but was adamant that it just takes one player to produce something special and shift the match in their favour.
“Obviously Pakistan is playing really well. They had a good World Cup and a good 2021 but in saying that it is T20 cricket and you always have a chance in it. To me I don’t see a lot of inexperience.
Our guys have played a lot of T20 cricket as well. They are highly talented and T20 cricket is anyone’s game, It just needs one individual to have a brilliant day and turn the game in our favour, so I am not too worried with the inexperience. I believe in the talent we have here,” he highlighted.
Pakistan will be coming with vengeance after their superb World Cup exhibition came up short of the title in the semi-final stage and their dominant 3-0 series win over Bangladesh.
The series is especially important for the hosts Pakistan, since it is the first international fixture in the country since New Zealand and England pulled out a few months back.
Azam said, “The West Indies series at home was very much important, especially after two series were cancelled which was unfortunate. There was sense of uncertainty about whether teams will tour Pakistan ever again, but I want to appreciate West Indies for coming and supporting Pakistan. People here are always waiting for home cricket and they are very excited about it.”
