Kingston, Jamaica – Opening batsman Adrian Barath says he is happy to be back in the team as the West Indies prepare to face India in the Fifth and final Digicel Pearls One Day International on Thursday.
First ball at Sabina Park is 9 am (10 am Eastern Caribbean Time).
The small, right-hander is set to play his first international match since February, when he pulled out of the ICC Cricket World after suffering an injury. He was recalled to the squad on Tuesday and had a full training session with team-mates on Wednesday morning.
"It’s always good to be in the West Indies team and I’m once more very happy to be in West Indies colours. I did a lot of work to get back to fitness and I’m really looking forward to the match," Barath said.
"I was with the team when the matches were played in Trinidad, so I had a few hits in the nets with the other members of the squad. I feel I’m in good form and I’m hitting the ball quite well. During the time off I worked hard on my game and also on my physical fitness. Things have come together very well. It is very good back to be representing West Indies and, as always, I’m looking to put in a good performance out there in the middle."
The 21-year-old has so far played eight ODIs and has a top score of 113 made against Sri Lanka at the Singhalese Sports Club a short a few before he sustained the injury. If he plays on Thursday he will open the innings with fellow Trinidadian Lendl Simmons, who has been in excellent form so far in the series.
"We have come a long way together. From my first outing on the first-class stage I played with him and we enjoy batting together. I have been playing together with Lendl for a few years now and we have a very good understanding. This will be our first time playing together for the West Indies and I see this as a great opportunity and we will be looking to do the job in the middle," Barath added.
"A lot of eyes will be on this upcoming match. Even though we have lost the series, we will be looking to win the match and take some form and confidence into the Test series which starts here next week. As a player you always want to do your best when you take the field, so every match counts."
India lead the five-match rubber 3-1.