West Indies motivated to show fight as first India ODI bowls off today

…Fitness cloud over Paul and Hetmyer

By Brandon Corlette

Despite the rain around Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies and India will lock horns from today, Friday July 22, in the first of three One Day International (ODI) matches.

Captain Nicholas Pooran, speaking to the media in a virtual press conference on Thursday afternoon, has said his team is motivated to show more fight against India.

Pooran also spoke about Keemo Paul, who is still being monitored, while Shimron Hetmyer, who was not named in the ODI squad, is around the team to work on his fitness.
“I (would) love (to see) him (play) in this ODI Series now, but he is here doing a lot of work on his fitness as well, and he has been putting in a lot of work. That is really nice to see the effort that he has been putting in. He wants to play for the West Indies, and trainers and coaches (are) working with him, so expect to see him sooner than later. I have full confidence that he will be putting on the maroon colours again,” Pooran said on Thursday afternoon during a media briefing, and while responding to Ian Bishop.
Pooran added: “Yes, he has a fitness test to pass shortly, so he is preparing himself for that.”
Prior to this ODI Series against India, Hetmyer had missed the ODI Series against Bangladesh because of a shoulder injury, as cited by Cricket West Indies. In recent years, Hetmyer has been under the microscope in relation to meeting CWI minimum fitness standards. The 25-year-old Hetmyer last played for West Indies in November 2021.
Additionally, Pooran noted that the team needs to assess the conditions at Queen’s Park Oval after rain had fallen on the eve of the match. “For me, I just want to see the guys continue to fight with both bat and ball. I think the last ODI we played against Bangladesh in tough conditions, we tried our best, and we felt like we had a chance to win the game, and we almost did. For this India Series, it is just for us to fight as long as possible. I want to see that fight from every individual (in) the team,” Pooran said.
When asked about Keemo Paul, who had a hamstring strain in the final ODI against Bangladesh, and if he is fit and ready to play in this first ODI, Pooran said: “The doctors are still monitoring Keemo. At this point in time, I cannot really say. We will make a decision on him on the morning of the match. I hope he is fit and ready to play.”
India will be led by Shikhar Dhawan, while a host of IPL stars would be on show. Ravindra Jadeja, who is the vice-captain, may miss the opening game due to a niggle. The first ball of the opening ODI is expected to bowl off from 9:30h Eastern Caribbean time.
WEST INDIES FULL SQUAD: Nicholas Pooran (Captain), Shai Hope (Vice Captain), Shamarh Brooks, Keacy Carty, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Rovman Powell, Jayden Seales.
Reserves: Romario Shepherd and Hayden Walsh Jr.
India ODI Squad: Shikhar Dhawan (capt), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Deepak Hooda, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Ravindra Jadeja (vice-capt), Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Avesh Khan, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh. (Guyana Times)