All-rounder Dwayne Smith is eager to make an impactful return to the international stage.
Smith, 28, announced himself to the world with a blazing century in his first Test match at Cape Town back in 2004. Since then he encountered mixed fortune and last represented the West Indies against Zimbabwe in early 2010.
He has been named in the West Indies squad for the upcoming two-match T20 Series against England next week and has been working hard in the nets at the 3Ws Oval at the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies.
Exciting time
“I’m very excited to be back in West Indies cricket. This is a very exciting time in West Indies cricket and I’m really happy to be selected for this tour.
Any opportunity to represent West Indies is a big opportunity.
“I was out for a while and I see this as a golden opportunity to make a comeback. I am going to bring intensity and energy to the team and look to give all I have in me,” Smith said.
“I see this as a chance to re-start my international career.
As I was training and working on my game, I kept telling myself I just need one sniff and I’ll take it. This is my big chance and I have to make sure I take it.”
New thinking
He added: “I worked a lot on my game and learnt a lot. I worked very hard on my batting and I realized I have to be more patient and aim to hit straighter . . . this new way of thinking has been working for me.
“I just want to continue. The coaches have asked for commitment and I intend to put in the work required to reap success at the international level.”
The well-built Smith is a right-handed batsman with the ability to clear the ropes and also bowl brisk medium-pace. He is a live wire in the outfield and can also keep wicket.
While he was out of the West Indies team he had a stint at Sussex in the English County Championship, where he got the chance to play in the T20 tournament.
“I was at Sussex for three seasons, playing a lot of T20 cricket and I have good knowledge what to expect and what is expected of me.
“I can add a lot to the team in terms of my knowledge of the conditions. I actually got the chance to play at the Oval a few times so I am familiar with the conditions and I will be able to share that information with the other guys in the West Indies team,” Smith said.
The West Indies will have two warm-up matches against Sagicor HPC on Saturday at the Desmond Haynes Oval and Sunday at the 3Ws Oval. First ball in both matches is 2 p.m. (1 p.m. Jamaica Time).
The squad leaves Barbados on Monday. The two-match series will be played at the Kia Oval in London on Friday, September 23 and Sunday, September 25. (BA/PR)
