Unfazed Pooran looking forward to captaincy role in future
– backs Russell’s six-hitting approach
For the first time in his career, stand-in West Indies captain Nicholas Pooran has won a T20 International series.
The 25-year-old Pooran, who is also tipped to lead the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the upcoming Hero Caribbean Premier League, has said he is looking forward to leading teams in the future.
Pooran and his team backed Andre Russell to finish the match with sixes
“Looking forward to it, to be honest. It gives you that sense of leadership, to be honest. You want to perform every game, but we know, as individuals, you can’t perform every game, you have more responsibilities. On this team, I am happy and thankful that there is a lot of knowledge in this team. In this series, it’s been very easy for me,” Pooran said.
Looking at his personal game, Pooran was unfazed at not scoring heavy runs. “Yes, I would like to score more runs, but I am not worried, I am getting starts. Couple months ago I was not getting starts, so I am not worried about myself,” Pooran disclosed.
Additionally, Pooran is backing Andre Russell’s approach in the final over, when West Indies required 11 runs from six balls to win the fourth T20I against Mitchell Starc.
Nicholas Pooran (L) of West Indies celebrates the dismissal of Aaron Finch (R) of Australia during the 1st T20I between Australia and West Indies at Darren Sammy Cricket Ground, Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, on July 9, 2021. (Photo by Randy Brooks / AFP) (Photo by RANDY BROOKS/AFP via Getty Images)
“It’s easy to say we can get four runs from four balls. In the last over, it’s pressure! And when you are in that situation, then you know. Starc is a world class bowler, and our best hitter (Andre Russell) we back him 100% and he will do it again in the future,” Pooran said in a virtual media interaction on Thursday afternoon.
Pooran also said he was proud of the West Indies team for restricting the Australians, who looked set to score over 200 runs at one stage during that fourth T20I. The Trinidadian said the West Indies team are closer to their best performance.
“From stand-in captain, I believe we are getting there to perform to our best,” he said.
Looking ahead, Pooran said he is hoping the guys learn from their mistakes and adapt faster, while putting in that good performance. The West Indies will play the fifth and final T20I against Australia today, Friday July 16, from 19:30h in St Lucia. (Brandon Corlette)
