In-form Deonarine ready for battle Down Under

ST JOHN’S, Antigua,  CMC – Guyanese batsman Narsingh Deonarine has declared himself ready, in mind and body, for the upcoming tour of Australia.

Narsingh Deonarine

The 26-year-old left-hander who  bowls right-arm off-spin made a brilliant unbeaten century for Guyana against Trinidad who Tobago on the final day of the drawn WICB first class match at the Sir Vivian Richards Ground here Monday.

“I’m focused on what I have to do in Australia. I am batting well and I find I am hitting the ball quite nicely. I am also bowling well and I believe I can make a contribution to the team,” he said Monday night after making 104 not out. “I am also bowling well and enjoying my cricket.”

Deonarine was on the Test match tour last November and December but played only in the final Test match at Perth, stroking a fighting 84 in the second innings.

On Monday, he went to the crease with the score at 96 for three and was there at the end with the score on 265 for five.

His first 50 took just 44 balls, but afterwards he settled and overall his century came off 145 balls, and included ten boundaries and three sixes. He made 43 in the first innings and took six wickets for 112 in the match as well.

“I enjoyed the tour of Australia and I batted well in the last match. I learned a lot on that tour from my teammates and from just being there in Australia. I know that I have to spend time at the crease to get runs,” he pointed out.

“I played well against Trinidad. I started by hitting a few balls over the top but that was just natural. There was no plan to attack them … I just went with what came naturally.

“It was important that I stayed out there and get a draw for Guyana. I like the team environment and I just want to make a contribution to whatever the team requires out there.”

The West Indies team is due to depart next Thursday for Australia where they will play five One-Day Internationals and two T20 Internationals.