EDUCATION, SPORTS, GENDER & YOUTH AFFAIRS

Ashley Nurse ready to romp v India
 

Port-of-Spain, Trinidad - The big day is still a few days away but West Indies all rounder Ashley Nurse is ready to face India in the Digicel Pearls T20 International on Saturday.

 

First ball at Queen's Park Oval is 10 am (9 am Jamaica Time)

 

Nurse, the 22-year-old off-spinner from Barbados played his first match in Windies colours in April against Pakistan. Now he is back in the set-up and sees Saturday's match as the biggest of his life. He's totally switched on.

 

"From the moment I got the call I was switched on. For me this is a very big game. I see this as the biggest match of my life. I got a taste of what things are like when I played against Pakistan and I'm very eager to play against India," he said.

 

"I've been told that we will have a full house on Saturday and as a player you always like to showcase your skills in front a full crowd. For me this is a chance to show what I have and help to win another match for the West Indies."

 

In his T20 International debut against Pakistan in St Lucia, Nurse was steady and efficient without being spectacular. Since then he went back to the drawing board. During that period he kept busy on the field playing for Merryboys in Trinidad's top league.

 

Nurse has made a huge jump up the ranks. A year ago he was not even in the Barbados team, but brilliant bowling in the Caribbean T20 tournaments has seen his break into the Windies side. He put it down to hard work and self belief.

 

"I'm looking to observe the basics and stick to my line and length when I get a chance to bowl. I believe I can make a contribution with the bat so I'm taking my batting quite seriously. I've been doing a lot of work trying to hit the ball as straight as possible and keeping my shape," he said.

 

"I have been working very hard on my overall game and doing a lot of work on my fitness as well. I feel much fitter and stronger than I did when I played against Pakistan. I feel good about myself and I'm ready for Saturday."