ASHLEY NURSE wants to contribute to West Indies’ success in the ODI series against England.
(Picture by Krystal Hoyte.)
by ANMAR GOODRIDGE-BOYCE anmargoodridge-boyce@nationnews.com
OFF-SPINNER Ashley Nurse is back in the West Indies team and is banking on a recent run in first-class cricket to boost his confidence in the ODI series against England which starts today at Kensington Oval.
Nurse, who was speaking to the media on Monday, said the West Indies were in high spirits after defeating England, the world No.1 ranked ODI team, in the recently concluded Wisden Test series 2-1.
“I would really like the boys to get on that high and win the series. My personal target for the series is to contribute in wickets and runs.
“I’ve been playing a lot of first-class cricket over the past few weeks and I’ve been getting a lot of bowling in, so hopefully, that practice will come into play [today],” he said.
During the Test at the Oval last month, England spinners Mooen Ali and Adil Rashid struggled to capture wickets, while West Indies off-spinner Roston Chase had figures of eight for 60.
However, Nurse said he wasn’t concerned about the pitch offering more to the pace bowlers, considering the different formats of the game.
“One-day cricket and Test cricket are different. It’s all about variations and getting through your paces and skills. One-day cricket is different. You don’t necessarily have to get wickets and win the game. It’s all about keeping it tight and building pressure,” he said.
Nurse said his main objective was to deliver with the ball, but “batting is one of my attributes. I like to contribute as much as I can to the team, and batting down in the bottom is always important to give the guys some runs.”
The 30-year-old, who said he was pleased to be playing at home, added that the Windies would not to be underestimating the England team.
“I look out for everybody, England is a very strong team and number one in the world, so each member of their team is a force to reckon with.
“It’s an amazing feeling to represent each and every time. It is an honour to be here . . . . I just try to be as consistent as possible, put the ball in the right areas and contribute to the cause.
“It’s also a pleasure to play in front of your family and on your home ground and this is probably my second international game at home. Ironically, it’s against England again. I want to urge all of the fans to come out. After the Test victory, I think you should get behind the team,” he added.
On Sunday, veteran opening batsman Chris Gayle announced that after the ICC Cricket World Cup in England and Wales this summer he will be retiring from ODI cricket.
Nurse took the opportunity to highlight Gayle’s impact on the dressing room.
“Chris is always a big influence on the boys. When he in the team, the boys are always comfortable that he could perform and do something big for us.”
