BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – Fast bowler Tino Best is overjoyed to be recalled to the West Indies team for the upcoming Digicel Series against Australia, starting next week in St Vincent. The livewire 30-year-old will be looking to make the most of the golden opportunity and try to re-establish himself in the team.
Tino Best makes his return to the West Indies squad to face Australia. Photo: windiescricket.com
Best last played for the West Indies during the ICC Champions Trophy back in 2009 in South Africa, and has been recalled after impressive performances in all three formats of the game for Barbados (Caribbean T20, Regional Super 50 and Regional 4Day). Best made his debut for West Indies back in 2003 and has so far played 12 One-Day Internationals and 14 Test matches.
“I’m fully focussed. I am fully aware of what is expected of me and what is required by the team. I have worked extremely hard to get back into the team and I will continue to work hard to stay in the team,” Best said.
“Everyone knows I’m the kind of player with great self belief and that belief has brought me to this point. I never gave up hope. I always believed that once I did what’s required — stay fit and strong, bowl fast and bowl well — I would be knocking at the door. Representing the West Indies is the ultimate goal.”
Best was speaking following his brilliant haul of six wickets for 44 runs in a warm-up match at the 3Ws Oval on Wednesday. He was excellent in his first spell which brought five wickets in the space of 25 balls. He has acquired some new skills and has put in a lot of work with Vasbert Drakes, the Barbados bowling coach.
“One of the areas I have worked really hard on is my consistency of both line and length. I try to keep up on my pace and I always try to look for wickets. I have been doing a lot of work with Vasbert Drakes in the Barbados team and he has been an amazing help. He helped me to refine my action and my approach to the crease when I bowl,” Best said.
“Also, we have been working on my new-ball skills and trying to get the most out of the ball when it is hard and new and the wicket is offering help to the bowlers. I have put these things in place and I now have better control and understanding.”
West Indies play a second 50 overs-a-side practice match on Saturday at the 3Ws Oval before leaving for St. Vincent on Monday, where they will contest the first three Digicel ODIs on March 16, 18 and 20 at the Arnos Vale Cricket Ground.
West Indies Squad for Digicel ODIs in St Vincent
Darren Sammy (captain)
Denesh Ramdin (vice-captain)
Tino Best
Devendra Bishoo
Darren Bravo
Dwayne Bravo
Johnson Charles
Sunil Narine
Kieron Pollard
Kieran Powell
Kemar Roach
Andre Russell
Marlon Samuels
Match schedule for Digicel ODI Series
Friday, 16 March – 1st Digicel ODI at Arnos Vale Cricket Ground, St. Vincent
Sunday, 18 March – 2nd Digicel ODI at Arnos Vale Cricket Ground, St. Vincent
Tuesday, 20 March – 3rd Digicel ODI at Arnos Vale Cricket Ground, St. Vincent
Friday, 23 March – 4th Digicel ODI at Beausejour Cricket Ground, St. Lucia
Sunday, 25 March – 5th Digicel ODI at Beausejour Cricket Ground, St. Lucia