Photo Credit: Cricket West Indies
Shai Hope marked his return to the international stage with a brilliant century on Wednesday and will be looking for more big runs and another win when he steps onto the field on Friday. The classy opener, who also does an excellent job as wicket-keeper, made 110 as West Indies beat Sri Lanka in the first CG Insurance One-Day International and expects more of the same when the second challenge presents itself at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
“The main aim is to score as many runs as I can … to be the glue to build as many partnerships as I can for the team and to win matches,” Hope said on Thursday.
“We played a very good game yesterday and it’s about identifying the things we need to improve on … being able to adapt to all they will throw at us tomorrow. Cricket plays on the day. It’s about playing that match up on the day. I back my team-mates and the quality they have. The key is to make sure we’re better on the day and go two-nil up.”
Hope’s century was his 10th in his ODI career in his 74th innings – he became the eighth West Indian, and first ‘keeper to reach the milestone. During the match on Wednesday he added a record opening partnership of 143 with Evin Lewis, which set the West Indies on course for an emphatic eight-wicket victory. Hope outlined that keeping wicket is a personal delight and before very match he sets up to be in the field for 100 overs.
“If I’m opening and keeping the aim is to be out there for all 100 overs and to do all I can mentally and physically to make sure I’m ready … to put the team in a good position. I always enjoy keeping, it doesn’t matter where I bat. It (keeping) does help you to be in tune with the game. I love doing any and everything on the cricket field.”
Friday’s match will be the 62nd time the two teams will meet in the ODI format. The first time was back in 1975 during the first Cricket World Cup. So far, West Indies have won 29 times, Sri Lanka also 29 times, with three no results.
