ANTILLES IN NEW ZEALAND
Nicholas Pooran was inducted into a 14-member West Indies A squad to play two first-class matches against New Zealand A © Getty
The clamor around a possible future in test cricket for Nicholas Pooran received a boost after the 25-year-old was chosen by the selectors in a 14-member team from West Indies A to play two first-class matches. against New Zealand ‘A’.
Pooran’s selection is significant given that he last played a first-class game six years ago. The Trinidadian’s actions in international cricket have grown in the last two seasons with players like Michael Holding and Roddy Estwick talking about the southpaw game and the need for the West Indies to integrate it into the longer format. Pooran, however, has played just three first-class matches so far and has 50 solo players and an average of 23.83 to his name.
In a team with up to eight members playing the current T20Is against New Zealand, Pooran will get two games in New Zealand to prove his red ball credentials. He is unlikely to play the tests that follow and will instead join the Melbourne Stars team for the Big Bash League.
“This series will give our players the opportunity to play first-class cricket against foreign opponents, as well as experience different conditions here in New Zealand. It will also help keep them on track should the need for replacements arise for the team from test, as we will have players who have been playing red ball cricket and are fit to consider, “said Roger Harper, CWI’s chief selector.
The first four-day game will begin on December 3 at Mount Maunganui and the second game will be played in Nelson beginning on December 11.
Squad of West Indies A:Nkrumah Bonner, Joshua Da Silva (week), Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Preston McSween, Shayne Moseley, Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell, Raymon Reifer, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh, Fabian Allen
© Cricbuzz
