Morton revelling in new-found success at top of the order

GROS ISLET, St Lucia,  CMC – Leeward Islands batsman Runako Morton is relishing his new lease on life, after being recalled to the West Indies team for the four-match one-day series against India.

Dropped after the Australian series in the Caribbean last year May, the 30-year-old, right-hander has responded well to his latest chance to wear maroon colours.

He stroked a robust, unbeaten 85 from 102 balls to engineer West Indies’ capture of the second One-Day International at Sabina Park on Sunday.

In the opening game last Friday, he hit 42 from 51 balls as the Windies went down by 20 runs in a high-scoring match at the same venue.

“I always like to think positive and since I came back into the team I have been looking to put my best foot forward for the team,” Morton said.

“I don’t want to get too much ahead of myself. I am taking the positives from those two knocks. From the start of the year (West Indies Cricket Board’s four-day tournament) I have been feeling quite relaxed at the crease and I am getting the results.”

Morton was in superb form during the regional four-day tournament, cresting the 1000-run barrier as well and slamming back-to-back double centuries.

The performance earned him a recall to the West Indies side for the one-day series in England where he played just one match.

Given the chance to open the batting with captain Chris Gayle in the current series, Morton has excelled in his new position.

“Being a No. 3 throughout my career there was not much of an adjustment to move up to open the batting with the captain,” Morton explained.

“It is all about dedication and application and backing myself to do the job. I aim to stay positive.”

Morton said he was now looking forward to helping West Indies win the series by taking the last two ODIs at the Beausejour Stadium here on Friday and Sunday.

“The series is level 1-1. As always I will be looking to win,” he noted.

“We will be looking to put in another good team effort as we showed in Jamaica. Players are putting their hands up and putting in good performances and we are confident.”