Jason Mohammed eyeing Test debut

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad,CMC – Jason Mohammed has his eyes set on a Test debut as he seeks to build on his recent success in the limited overs format for West Indies.

The 30-year-old has enjoyed a decent run this year with four half-centuries in six One-Day Internationals and believes he can make a successful transition to the longest format.

“Obviously I would like to play Tests, but it is up to the selectors. I think with my good form I should have a chance in Test cricket,” the right-hander told the News Day newspaper here.

Jason Mohammed … hoping for a Test call

“If there are others in line obviously I will have to wait my turn, but I am definitely excited if I am called up to the Test team, and I would be looking forward to the opportunity.” . Mohammed made his international debut in 2011 with little success and had to wait another four years before he could play his second game, again failing to have any impact.

However, he returned to the squad for the England series last month with two half-centuries and struck another two against Pakistan in the just concluded three-match series.

His career-best unbeaten 91 was the catalyst behind West Indies’ record run chase to win the first ODI in Guyana last Friday.

Mohammed’s healthy average of 44 in List A cricket versus his modest 26 at the first class level has seen him pigeon-holed as a one-day player but the Trinidadian said he would continue trying to prove his value in the longest format.

“The selectors have their own options on who they are looking at to play what format,” he explained.

“In the past I think I have deserved a [Test] spot but was never given the opportunity, but I am still pressing and hoping to play Test cricket sometime soon.”

He continued: “It was good coming back into the international scene. It is always good to perform and I worked hard leading up to those series [against England and Pakistan] and even before that, so it is nice to have the results behind me.”

West Indies face Pakistan in a three-Test series starting April 21 at Sabina Park in Jamaica, hoping to reverse their recent trend of poor results which has left them winless in their last seven tours.

And Mohammed, who was a welcome boost for the Windies top order in the series ODI series, said he felt he could make a difference in the Test arena though conceding the challenge would be a stiff one.

“I think I will help a little bit but myself going into Test cricket for the first time it will be difficult,” he acknowledged.

“There are guys who have played before who will be there, so obviously with a mixture of experienced guys and myself it could be a good combination.

It would be my first time playing Test cricket and I just have to wait and see how it goes.”