AMSTERDAM, Holland, (CMC) – Keacy Carty is focused on making a mark in his international debut when he plays for the men in maroon for the first time, in the two upcoming One-Day International (ODI) series against the Netherlands and Pakistan.

“I’m not really anxious or nervous. I’m just trying to start well so I’m trying to be as prepared as possible – mentally calm, physically prepared. I just want to get a good start in international cricket,” said Carty, the first player from St Maarten to be called up for the West Indies senior men’s team, ahead of Tuesday’s first match against the Netherlands here.

The 25-year-old right-handed batsman said the squad had welcomed him with open arms and he intended to learn as much as he can from the experienced players.

“I try to take little bits and pieces from all the good players and just try and add them to my game, where it makes sense with my style of play,” said Carty, who was part of the young West Indies team that won the 2016 Under-19 Cricket World Cup, the Caribbean side’s first title in that competition.

When the ODI series against the Netherlands bowls off, Carty will be playing against a side that he could have an opportunity to represent as a Dutch citizen.

However, the specialist batsman said that had never been his goal.

“Growing up in a household where my father supported West Indies cricket so much, I never really thought about leaving the Caribbean and trying to play for the Netherlands,” Carty said.

“I grew up watching West Indies cricket and one daydreamed of playing, so when I actually got the call from [lead selector] Desmond Haynes and heard that I was a part of the team….I was really excited.”

In announcing Carty as part of the ODI squad that will play Netherlands May 31 to June 4, followed by Pakistan June 8-12, Haynes said the young batsman had impressed selectors “with the way he goes about his innings”.

“We saw several glimpses of his ability the way he played against England earlier this year for the CWI President’s XI. We hope that giving him this opportunity he will recognize the importance of representing West Indies. We think he is a young batsman with great promise, and this is the kind of tour he can show he fits in,” he had said.

Carty said it was possible for other young cricketers in St Maarten to follow in his footsteps.

“I was once at their stage. I could see the talent in them like how people saw it in me and if they want to play the game seriously they can, but they just have to remain disciplined and continue working hard,” he said.

Carty is one of three newcomers in the ODI squad, the others being fast bowlers Jayden Seales, and Shermon Lewis.