Learning to continue against Kent, says Windies pacer Cummins
CANTERBURY, England (CMC) – West Indies fast bowler Miguel Cummins says his team-mates are learning quickly as they prepare to face England in the three-Test series starting later this month.
Cummins is one of the few members of the young squad to have played first-class cricket in England before. Last year he excelled during a brief stint with Worcestershire in the English County Championship, and is hoping to use that experience during the upcoming series.
“We are a young team but we are an enthusiastic team. We are learning quickly and we want to learn more,” 27-year-old right-arm pacer told members of the media at the Kent County Ground ahead of Sunday’s start of the three-day match against Kent.
“We are thirsty for knowledge … we are hungry for success and we want to do ourselves and the people of the West Indies proud. We are excited are looking forward to the Test series.”
He added: “I’ve played here before for Worcestershire. As a fast bowler, you get assistance and you just have to be patient and smart and use the conditions wisely. I enjoy playing in England, it is a wonderful atmosphere and great conditions to play the game.”
The Windies will be looking to build on their impressive performance in their opening game against Essex last week when they showed enterprise with both bat and ball at Chelmsford.
Middle order batsman Roston Chase scored two half-centuries in the contest while opener Kraigg Brathwaite and Jermaine Blackwood also chipped in with fifties.
Seamer Kemar Roach also produced a superb five-wicket haul in the Essex innings in his first time in Windies colours for 19 months.
Cummins, who took two wickets in the game, said the encounter against Kent would be key in allowing the players to become further acclimatized.
“We arrived here after a good week in Barbados and we quickly got acclimatised to the weather,” the Barbadian said.
“We did well in the match against Essex, the batsmen played really well and the bowlers backed that up with a good effort.
“Looking ahead to tomorrow (Sunday) we just want to put in another solid performance and learn more about how to play in these conditions.”
West Indies face England in the first Test starting August 17 at Edgbaston.