Shai Hope: England ODI series 'good gauge' for Windies in build up to 2019 World Cup
England are the No.1 MRF Tyres ranked side in ODI cricket, while the West Indies sit in ninth, but buoyed by momentum picked up in their recent 2-1 victory in the Test series, there is a real air of enthusiasm in the Windies camp.
"It’s a lot to look forward to," said Hope. "It's a very exciting time, especially leading up to the World Cup so I’m sure the guys are ready and raring to go. We are just coming off a Test series win and that was fantastic for everyone involved and the fans, so it is important for us to continue in that vein and try to get the series win as well."
Experimentation might be on the cards too as the Windies search for their perfect formula in time for their World Cup campaign. One player whose involvement might signal a squad inclusion for the tournament is veteran Chris Gayle, who has not appeared for the West Indies since July 2018, but has been called up for the ODI series against England. He has a whopping 284 ODIs to his name with 49 half-centuries and 15 tons, and his influence is a welcome one for Hope.
“We can use this as a good gauge for us going into the World Cup. We are still looking at some plans, in terms of what is the best fit and combination but it’s a good challenge for us and we’ve got some work to do.
"It’s great, just to see him (Gayle) at nets. Good laugh, good shots as well, and he’s going to strengthen the team a lot. We know the importance that Gayle brings to the team. He has a lot of experience and we need to make sure we use that experience and strengthen the entire team."
25-year old Hope has been a guiding light in ODIs for the West Indies since his debut in 2016, recording four centuries alongside an impressive average of 47.48. Acknowledging his side's 'underdog' tag, he expressed his plan to "fight fire with fire" against a formidable England line-up, and hopes his side emulate their win at Barbados in the first Test in January when they lock horns in the opening ODI at the same venue.
“We will use it (the underdog tag) as a motivator. We knew what people were saying about us and we’ve got to do the same as we did to win the Test series – make sure that we know we’re coming here to play cricket and put up a fight. And it’s just not to put up a fight either but to win so we’ve got to make sure we do that," he said.
"We are an international team and we have come here to play cricket. We will use it as a challenge, we know they’re gonna come at us hard but we will fight fire with fire. Hopefully we have given the fans something to look forward to. I’m sure they’re coming for two wins back-to-back at home. We gave them a win in the Test series so hopefully we can do the same again."
The first ODI is scheduled for Wednesday, 20 February, with the fifth match concluding the series on Saturday, 2 March. A three-match T20I series will then take place.