West Indies wicketkeeper-batsman, Joshua Da Silva, has expressed the team’s determination to restore pride in their cricketing brand during the upcoming two-Test series against hosts and world champions Australia.
Da Silva, a 25-year-old Trinidadian, is one of the few experienced players in the 15-member West Indies Test squad that is set to compete in the series, with the first Test scheduled to commence on Wednesday at the Adelaide Oval, followed by the second Test at the Gabba in Brisbane on January 25.
The West Indies faced defeat in two Tests against Australia in late 2022. The absence of several established players, including former captain Jason Holder and all-rounder Kyle Mayers, due to Twenty20 franchise commitments, has led to the inclusion of seven uncapped players in the Test squad. Despite this, Da Silva emphasized the squad’s determination to defy skeptics.
Brink of achieving 100 Test dismissals
Da Silva, who is on the brink of achieving 100 Test dismissals, stated, “Last year is last year, and we’re here to try again. We’re going to give it our best effort. We have a few new faces, so there’s going to be a bit of new blood coming in. I know the boys are excited, and I’m definitely excited and raring to go.”
The inclusion of seven uncapped players signifies a fresh start for West Indies cricket, and Da Silva believes that the team is eager to create its own legacy. He stated, “Everybody’s really keen. Seven uncapped players. If they haven’t gotten a taste, they’re really raring to go get a taste of it, so the mood in the camp is great, and we’re really looking forward to it.”
West Indies has not won a Test series against Australia, either at home or abroad, in over 31 years. Additionally, they have gone 19 matches in nearly 21 years without registering a Test victory against Australia. However, Da Silva sees this series as an opportunity for West Indies to initiate the process of rebuilding their Test cricket reputation.
Mentor to the team during the series
“That’s always the goal,” Da Silva asserted. “Each and every one of us here is looking forward to making the West Indies a winning team again. That’s the main goal we have. We talk about it every day, about getting back to those days, but it’s a new era now, and we’re just looking forward to making our own brand and playing that brand of cricket.”
Former West Indies captain and legendary batsman, Brian Lara, who holds world records for the highest individual Test score (400 not out) and first-class score (501 not out), will serve as a mentor to the team during the series. Lara attended a training session to share his invaluable knowledge and experience with the players.
Da Silva praised Lara, saying, “The knowledge he has is second to none… What he’s done for the game, what he’s done for West Indies cricket on his own, just having him around, just his presence alone speaks for itself… He’s here to work with everyone, he’s our mentor, so he’s going to be helping everybody, bowlers and batters because he has so much experience, I think everybody can learn from him.”
The West Indies squad is looking forward to the mentorship and guidance provided by Brian Lara as they strive for success in Australia.
