CASTRIES, St Lucia, CMC – Windward Islands batsman Johnson Charles is eyeing a full senior West Indies team selection after being named in a West Indies A squad to play against Pakistan A in two Twenty20 fixtures in Antigua early next month.
“It is indeed a milestone for me. Getting into the A team is like a dream. My goal is to get onto the actual West Indies senior team and establish myself as a formidable cricketer,” Charles told CMC Sports.
The aggressive 21-year-old was one of the leading batsmen in the recently concluded WICB One-Day Championship, finishing with 152 runs at an average of 38.
He formed a strong alliance with experienced batsman Devon Smith at the top of the order as they carried the Windward Islands batting. “The tournament was good for me but I could have done better. Sometimes you do well, sometimes you don’t,” said the right handed opener.
“My average could have been better as an opening batsman but that’s all I got. I have to be satisfied with it.”
Charles, who has scored 292 runs from eight first class matches since making his debut against Combined Campuses and Colleges in Bridgetown last year, said he was encouraged by comments and feedback he has received from other more experienced players.
“I have been watching most of these players only on TV and now playing with them and against them has been a very great honour,” he said.
“Seeing the talent that they exhibit, I feel I can aspire to be as good as them or even better.”
