Harper expects Motie to play major role in Pakistan tour
By Brandon Corlette
Cricket West Indies Lead Selector Roger Harper has disclosed that Guyanese left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie is expected to play a major role in the upcoming Pakistan tour, starting on December 13.
CWI Lead Selector Roger Harper
Speaking at a recent media conference, Harper highlighted Motie’s brilliant performance at the regional level, and indicated that, in the sub-continent, spinners like Motie would have important roles to play.
“I think he performed exceedingly well in the last Super50. He followed that up with good performances in the CPL, and we really see him on a tour like this playing a major role in the spin-bowling department. In the sub-continent, a place like Pakistan, the pitches will offer him a little bit of help, so that he will be called on to play a role there,” Harper explained.
Gudakesh Motie
Motie has been the leading wicket-taker in the last Regional Super50 tournament, claiming 17 wickets in seven matches at an economy rate of 4.56. He had a best bowling figure of 4-45, with a stellar average of 16.64. In the CPL, Motie played six matches, and impressed with eight wickets at a brilliant economy rate of 6.52. He also had a best bowling figure of 3-25 in his debut season at a top average of 15.50. Motie has also gained valuable experience as a reserve player at the T20 World Cup.
While many may not see Motie and Akeal Hosein in the same starting XI, a strong possibility exists with Pakistan being a heavy right-handed batting order and pitches expected to suit spinners. Currently, in the Test series against Sri Lanka, West Indies are playing Jomel Warrican and Veerasammy Permaul, both of whom are left-arm spinners.
West Indies’ full squads to Pakistan
One-Day International squad to Pakistan: Kieron Pollard (Captain), Shai Hope (Vice Captain), Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Anderson Phillip, Nicholas Pooran, Raymon Reifer, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith and Hayden Walsh Jr.
T20 International squad to Pakistan: Kieron Pollard (Captain), Nicholas Pooran (Vice Captain), Darren Bravo, Roston Chase, Sheldon Cottrell, Dominic Drakes, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Oshane Thomas and Hayden Walsh Jr.
Notes
Jason Holder is being rested for this tour due to workload management. Fabian Allen and Obed McCoy are unavailable owing to injury and rehabilitation. Evin Lewis, Shimron Hetmyer, Andre Russell and Lendl Simmons are unavailable owing to personal reasons.
