Evin Lewis, the latest addition to the West Indies squad ahead of the upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 World Cup said he was surprised at his selection but was nevertheless ready to perform on the big stage when the tournament bowls off in India next week.
During an exclusive Monday evening, minutes after the 24-year-old Trinidadian was named as a replacement for compatriot Lendl Simmons who was ruled out owing to a back injury, Lewis told Stabroek Sport that he was overwhelmed by the news of his selection and admitted that he was pumped up about the opportunity.
“I’m feeling very happy seeing that my hard work is paying out and yes I was surprised,” said the left-hander who has been in terrific form in both the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Regional Super50 and Four-Day competitions.
In the longer format, the aggressive opener has already racked up some 442 runs at an average of 49.11 with scores of 56, 87 and 104 for the Trinidad & Tobago Red Force.
In the Nagico Super50, Lewis’ team retained their title and the attacking stroke-maker was again amongst the runs, ending with 221 runs and a top score of 102 not out. He also impressed with his power-hitting during the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) where he cracked a 65-ball unbeaten 101 for the Barisal Bulls.
When asked about his current form and his feelings heading into the World Cup, Lewis said”“Well I have been doing some batting due to the Four Day tournament so my form is good I just have to keep working. Once given the opportunity I’m going out there and back myself and hope for the best, I’m just going to be myself and don’t panic because it’s a World stage.”
The Darren Sammy-led West Indies side won the silverware back in 2012, whipping Sri Lanka in their own backyard in the final.
Lewis said he thinks the team has a good chance of doing well.
“Well I always think the West Indies (team) has a good chance in T20 cricket because the players have a lot of experience. It’s just about playing as a team and a unit. He explained that having his senior Trinidadian teammates Dwayne Bravo and Denesh Ramdin in the side was comforting.
“It will help knowing the guys I play back home with are there so it will be comfortable with them around,” he said, acknowledging that having the support of his countrymen will help to relax any first time jitters. Wrapping up his interview, the former West Indies Under-19 batsman said in a nutshell that he was “just a simple guy who’s working his way up the ladder trying to make a big name for himself.”
West Indies play England in their first match on March 16 at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
