Fit and focused Keemo Paul strengthens case for West Indies return

By Brandon Corlette in Trinidad

Keemo Paul finished the West Indies Regional Four-Day championships as the leading fast bowler. He claimed 20 wickets with best bowling figures of 6-50.
During his five matches in this condensed season, Paul was breathing fire, bowling heat rocks and troubling the batsmen with his usual movement.
The 24-year-old Paul who also picked up his 100th First-Class wicket this season said he really wanted to return to the West Indies team, but this time, he wanted to maintain his spot in the team. After the final match of the Four-Day season against Trinidad and Tobago Red Force at Queen’s Park Oval, Paul said he was pleased with his bowling efforts this season, but he wanted to come good with the bat.
“I have been feeling really good. Before coming into this, I did a lot of work in the gym, so I think that has paid off. I just want to keep improving: I did well with the ball, but I am not satisfied with the bat. I think I need to put in some extra work there, and get it done.
“I always had that ability, and talent has always been there, but I was lacking a lot of work in the gym. After the first two rounds and before that I got a trainer, put the work in and try and get as strong as possible, and that really helped me a lot,” Paul said.
With West Indies set to host Bangladesh, India, and New Zealand this summer, Paul has his eyes set on booking a spot in the Windies team.
“I would like to be back playing International cricket. That is why I am working so hard, and that is why I am trying to perform in each and every game. I really want to play international cricket for the West Indies, so I am working towards that. Hopefully, I get the opportunity soon, and stay there when I get there this time,” Paul said.
Known for picking up injuries, Paul is now fit and focused on managing his body and bowling shorter, faster and more effective spells. “Managing my body and know how I feel will be really important. Normally, I bowl long spells, but I have to cut down and manage it. I don’t want to get injured, that is something I am working on – not to get injured,” he explained.
Paul, who is the current Guyana Harpy Eagles Vice Captain, has also shown his abilities as a natural leader, and when he gets the opportunity for higher representation, he will be aiming to lend his leadership skills if asked.
“Any environment I go in, I always see myself as a leader and someone that can add input to the team. Both Kraigg [Barthwaithe] and [Nicolas] Pooran are young captains; if I am asked, I will try to offer whatever I can and contribute to the team in whatever way I can.”
The man from Essequibo, who has played three Test matches, 19 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 20 T20 Internationals (T20Is) for the West Indies, had impressed during the Four-Day season. Paul scored 169 attacking runs, and his bowling certainly raised a few eyebrows during the matches in Trinidad and Tobago. Time will tell if Paul is set for a return to the international set-up.