Pooran wants players to embrace Pakistan challenge

WEST Indies One Day International (ODI) captain Nicholas Pooran is encouraging his players to embrace the challenge of playing in Pakistan as the regional team starts a three-match series at the Multan International Cricket Stadium in Pakistan at 7 am (TT time) on Wednesday.

West Indies defeated the Netherlands 3-0 in a three-match ODI series which ended on Saturday. It was the first-ever ODI series between the two teams.

In the series, the trio of Shai Hope, Shamarh Brooks and Kyle Mayers all scored centuries. Left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein was the best bowler for West Indies, with eight wickets.

Pakistan is expected to be a tougher test for West Indies, but Pooran wants his players to be ready.

“Obviously it is going to be challenging, (with) some world-class bowlers, some world-class batsmen as well...I want us to embrace the challenge and hope for the best,” Pooran said, on Tuesday.

Pakistan has been performing creditably in ODI cricket, with quality players such as captain Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

West Indies are upbeat, said Pooran.

“I believe that we have started something really good in the Netherlands, obviously, winning 3-0 there. In terms of confidence, the guys are confident.”

Pooran did not want to predict the outcome of the Pakistan series, but wants his players to focus on playing a high level of cricket.

“I am not expecting anything from this series here. I believe we are working as a unit here. We are trying to do as much right things as possible, trying to do what is required of us to be successful. I don’t want to say we are going to win the series or we are going to lose the series...I don’t want to say anything, I don’t want to jinx anything.

"But we are heading in a really good direction (and) the guys are in a really good headspace and tune in (on Wednesday) and let’s hope for the best.”

The weather has been hot in Pakistan, but Pooran said his team will cope.

“Obviously coming from the Netherlands, from the cold to the heat (will be challenging). It is probably around 45 degrees (Celsius in Pakistan). Today (Tuesday) we had our first training session and it went really good.”

Pooran said they trained at 4 pm Pakistan time on Tuesday, but the weather was windy, which made the conditions cooler. The match on Wednesday bowls off at 4 pm, Pakistan time.

Pooran only managed 24 runs in the series against the Netherlands but believes in his ability as a batsman.

“This is not the first time I have not scored runs. If you check my stats, I am always scoring runs, so I am not bothered. I think something big is close. I am working very hard, and it is only a matter of time.”

Despite the 3-0 sweep against the Netherlands, Pooran said West Indies can improve in their fielding, specifically in the catching department.

All-rounder Keemo Paul has been added to the team for the Pakistan series.

In a Cricket West Indies media release, West Indies lead selector Desmond Haynes said, “Keemo Paul has been kept out in the recent past due to injury and we view the management of his body as paramount to his success, not only when on West Indies duty but also when he is with his regional franchise. We have watched him perform in the recent West Indies Championship Four-Day Competition for the Guyana Harpy Eagles and we think he is ready to come back into the fold.”

WEST INDIES SQUAD: Nicholas Pooran (captain), Shai Hope (vice-captain), Nkrumah Bonner, Shamarh Brooks, Keacy Carty, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Shermon Lewis, Kyle Mayers, Keemo Paul, Anderson Phillip, Rovman Powell, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Hayden Walsh Jnr.