ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, CMC – Leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo believes he can make a significant impact on the second Test, as the game enters today’s crucial third day with West Indies needing wickets to curtail England’s progress.
West Indies rallied to 299 all out in their first innings after resuming Tuesday’s second day on 188 for five, but England finished the day strongly on 74 without loss to steal the advantage.
Bishoo, playing in his first Test in three years, said it was vital West Indies made inroads into the visitors’ as early as possible.
“The pitch is playing good so far. It is a bit slow but at the end of the day we have to go out in the first hour tomorrow and try to get early wickets and see how it goes from there on,” Bishoo said.
“As the ball gets older it is going to be spinning a bit more and you’ll just have to vary your pace as much as possible and try to get something out of it.
“I think I can play a very big role in this match. I think I felt comfortable coming back. It is something I dreamt about – playing for the West Indies – and I am back here and I’ll try to make the most of it.”
Marlon Samuels hit his seventh Test hundred – a patient 103 – as he stretched his sixth wicket stand with captain Denesh Ramdin (31) to 94.
Bishoo also played an excellent role with the bat, hitting a career-best 30 off 48 balls with four fours in an enterprising 52-run last wicket stand with Shannon Gabriel who also hit a Test-best 20 not out.
The partnership lifted West Indies after they had lost four wickets for 24 runs to slump to 247 for nine, on a rain-hit day at the Grenada National Stadium.
“I was just trying to get a start and I tried to talk to Kemar (Roach) as much as possible. Obviously Kemar got out and then myself and Shannon started to put on a partnership as I grew in the partnership I started to get more comfortable and started to play more shots,” said Bishoo.
“At the same time, myself and Shannon were enjoying it. That’s the whole thing about it – enjoying it and batting as long as possible.”
Bishoo last played for West Indies when Australia last toured the Caribbean in 2012 but catapulted into contention this year following a strong regional first class season where he picked up 61 wickets for champions Guyana Jaguars.
He said during his time away from the international spotlight he had never given up hope of a return.
“I never thought about giving up. I tried to work hard each day, day by day,” he explained.
“I tried to work on everything – it is not good to work on one thing – and to be a better all-rounder in fielding, batting bowling, everything.”
