Windies novices excited about international challenge

The four uncapped players in the West Indies squad scheduled to play Pakistan in the only Twenty20 International at St. Lucia on 21 April, 2011 are all excited about their first international assignment.

Krishmar Santokie, Danza Hyatt, Christopher Barnwell and Ashley Nurse were recently included in the 13-member squad that would play Shahid Afridi and his team in the one-off Twenty20 match. The rookie players said that they would try to give their absolute best in the game to earn a place in the One Day International and Test sides as well.

The 26-year-old Jamaica seamer Krishmar Santokie, the most outstanding bowler of the past two editions of the Caribbean T20 tournament, told the media that it was his father’s dream to see him donning Caribbean colours. Reminiscing the thrill Santokie and his family felt when he got the call, he said his father seemed to be more excited.

“When I got the news, I was really thrilled but my father seemed to be more excited. I could see the joy on his face,” told the left-armer. “My aim is make the most of the opportunity. I have done well for Jamaica in the Caribbean T20 and I'm looking to take that form into the series against Pakistan. It's just a matter of making the adjustment to the higher level.”

Off-spinner Ashley Nurse, who plays for Barbados in the domestic T20 tournament, was the best bowler of Barbados in the event. He was also part of the West Indies A side that played Pakistan A in 2010 and was the standout performer. He said that if he got an opportunity in the only T20 match against Pakistan, he will be looking to have a positive impact on the game.

Hyatt, the Jamaica all-rounder, who was the leading batsman for the West Indies A side against Pakistan A in the Twenty20 series in 2010 is well aware of the fact that international cricket is a different game as he said he would have to make adjustments when he plays at the senior level.

“I know I will have to make the adjustment when I play at the senior level,” Hyatt said. “I will look to be positive and play my natural game and do the things that have helped me to reach this level.”

Christopher Barnwell, the 24-year-old Guyana all-rounder said that if given a chance, he can influence the game with both bat and ball.

The right-handed batsman opens with the bat and the ball and was a key member of triumphant Guyana side that won the inaugural edition of the Caribbean T20. He also played in the Champions League.