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West Indies players confident ahead of T20 series against SA – VC Pooran
Nicholas Pooran hits Mujeeb Ur Rahman down the ground for six © Abu Dhabi Cricket
Nicholas Pooran has all the shots and a bright future © AFP
Kaieteur News – The provisional West Indies 18-man squad is presently based in Grand Anse, Grenada where they are having training sessions at the National Cricket Stadium in the build-up to the CG Insurance T20 International Series against South Africa which will be played at the same venue, starting tomorrow.
Speaking with media yesterday, Pooran said the players are confident going into the series. “The preparation is good, the confidence in the group is good, we have our senior players back and with the inclusion of Russell we have the most exciting T20 players in the world back together. The players are gelling well, we have had three good sessions and the weather has been kind to us for which we are thankful.”
Pooran said he didn’t have a good outing in the IPL, but he is just keeping it simple and want to enjoy the game. “I am thankful for the opportunity and I am full of confidence in my ability and want to make the fans happy. Once we can play our roles exactly what the team is required from us, we can put some good scores on the board.”
Pooran stated that they have the best 18- man squad in camp and they are trying to get their momentum going. “We want the full support the Caribbean people. We are building towards the world cup and we have to function as a team. Everyone knows how good Gayle, Pollard, Bravo and Russell are, as well as the other guys, but at the end of the day if we can believe in each other is important. It’s been a while since we have been together so we have a chance to gel and learn about someone better. It’s not all about the cricket but how much we can support each other, he added.
Pooran said the team has been putting in a lot of work and they are looking forward to winning the series in preparing for the world cup. “You don’t win a world cup by one or two persons performing, you win by everyone playing their part and that’s our key, which is to look after each other, be honest with each other and the results on the field will take care of itself. We all want to perform and want to win. The team is putting in a lot of work, we are focused on what we can control and that’s to be honest, work as hard as we can and support each other,” he pointed out.
Fans support is important and Pooran said they are looking forward to playing in front of their home fans. Fans are going to play an important role, it’s been a while since we have played in front of our home fans and we need that support. Hopefully we can put on a show and put a smile on their faces.”
He stated that he is thankful for the opportunity of being Vice Captain and it’s a wonderful learning experience. “I always look up to Bravo, Gayle, Pollard and others. It’s nice to learn about different people culture,” he said.
Pooran indicated that are working to get the right balance and to improve in certain areas
The 18-man squad reads; Kieron Pollard – Captain, Nicholas Pooran – Vice Captain, Fabian Allen, Dwayne Bravo, Sheldon Cottrell, Fidel Edwards, Andre Fletcher, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Evin Lewis, Obed McCoy, Andre Russell, Lendl Simmons, Kevin Sinclair, Oshane Thomas and Hayden Walsh.
Match Schedule
1st CG Insurance T20I at National Cricket Stadium: June 26th
2nd CG Insurance T20I at National Cricket Stadium: June 27th
3rd CG Insurance T20I at National Cricket Stadium: June 29th
4th CG Insurance T20I at National Cricket Stadium: July 1st
5th CG Insurance T20I at National Cricket Stadium: July 3rd
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