Dream realised - Pierre looking to make mark in India

AHMEDABAD, India:

For Trinidadian spinner Khary Pierre, the dream that began in his childhood living room, watching West Indies legends like Brian Lara, has finally become a reality.

After a dominant domestic season, the left-arm spinner has received his first call-up to the West Indies Test squad, and for him, the emotion is almost beyond words.

"It's a great honour, a privilege to represent the West Indies. It's something I dreamt of when I was young, watching Test cricket. I was really happy. Words can't explain how I felt at that moment."

His selection to the senior team is a direct reward for his exceptional performance in the recent West Indies Championship, where he was a standout bowler for the T&T Red Force, claiming a formidable tournament-leading 41 wickets. His recipe for success, however, was simple.

"I was just playing my cricket, trying to enjoy it. I think that was the key to my success this season. I was out there enjoying my cricket and taking the outcome out of it, and giving 110 per cent. I'm a cricketer who will always give 110 per cent when I reach the cricket field. I leave everything on the cricket field, blood, sweat, and tears. I think that was my trademark this season and, you know, it paid off."

When asked about his philosophy as a spinner, Pierre emphasised consistency and cunning over flashy variations. His goal in the middle is a classic one - to out-think the batsman.

"I would say control, consistency, and just try to stay in front of the batsman as much as possible. I try to use more variations, or just try to outfox the batsman. I think that is the aim of any spinner."

As he prepares for the potential of making his Test debut on the grand stage of India, Pierre's focus remains squarely on the team.

"I just want to help the team win. Whatever role I have to play in the team, I want to do it to the best of my ability. And I'm gonna go there, I'm gonna give 100 per cent."

ALZARRI OUT

Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has been ruled out of the upcoming two-Test series due to a recurrence of a lower back injury.

The injury concern arose after Joseph reported discomfort, prompting medical scans. The results confirmed a degeneration of a lower back stress fracture that had previously been considered resolved.

To fill the void left by the experienced Joseph, the selectors have turned to pace-bowling all-rounder Jediah Blades. While uncapped at the Test level, Blades has represented the West Indies in both One-Day and T20 Internationals and will join the squad following the ongoing series against Nepal.

In a further twist, veteran all-rounder Jason Holder was approached to replace Joseph, but declined the call-up. Holder cited a pre-planned medical procedure as the reason for his unavailability.

- CMC