BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Off-spinner Ryan Austin is hoping that another successful season in the Regional Four-Day Championship earns him a West Indies call up.
Last year, he was the leading wicket-taker, snatching 44 wickets at just under 20 apiece to fire Combined Campuses and Colleges into the final but hopes a similar performance will also catch the attention of regional selectors.
“I am looking to be the leading wicket-taker again this year. This is one of the main goals I have set for myself. I took the most wickets in 2009 as well so I want to continue my consistent performances and put pressure on the batsmen all the time,” the 30-year-old Barbadian said.
“My job is also about getting CCC back on top of the table again and this time around not just to make it to the final but also win the trophy. I believe if I do this I could catch the attention and impress the West Indies selectors and come into the picture to play Test cricket.
“I would love to get an opportunity to play in the West Indies team. I played against Bangladesh in the Caribbean back in 2009 and enjoyed it. We have four first-class matches before the Aussies come and I am looking to do well and try to get a look-in.
“There is competition for places, but I want my name to come up when the selectors meet to pick the squad.”
Austin has played two Tests – against Bangladesh three years ago during the bitter players strike – but has not been in the mix since. However, he boasts an impressive regional record with 226 wickets at just over 24 runs apiece, in nine seasons.
Austin is expected to feature in the CCC line up when they host Trinidad and Tobago in a day/night encounter, in their opening round encounter at 3Ws Oval starting tomorrow evening. “What is really good is that fact that the matches will be played in the evening and into the night and the fans will get a chance to participate in a big way,” he explained.
“It was great to see the large number of fans during the WICB Caribbean T20. It shows that night cricket is something the fans really want and these first-class matches at night are definitely a step in the right direction.”
