Dream knock, gushes Pollard

Trinidadian hopes to make Test team for tour of Australia

Deccan Herald

caught up with the latest sensation from the Caribbean. Excerpts:

Did you expect Trinidad to reach so far in the event?

I know many people underestimated us before the tournament. That worked perfectly for us as we were able to execute our plans away from the glare. We came to this tournament with a purpose in mind, to enjoy our cricket. We have done that. I think the crowds too like us. Now it’s matter of two big matches, we hope to end up winners.

That 18-ball 54 against New South Wales…

It was a nice feeling to do that for the team. We have been very supportive of each other from the very beginning of the tournament and I am happy that I did not disappoint my team by failing in that situation.

But when you stepped on to the field at 120 for six, did you believe such an innings was possible?

Such an innings comes in every cricketer’s dream. I am satisfied that I was able to play one such innings. (Denesh) Ramdin got run out soon after I entered the field and I was the last recognised batsman, so it was my responsibility to knock off the remaining runs. (Moises) Henriques could not get the proper line too on that day.

Your good friend Brett Lee was playing for NSW, was that a motivation for ending that game so quickly?

(Laughs). Oh maan yes... Brett is my good friend. I wanted to end the game quickly and have a ball with him. He is a great guy to hang around with.

So, what have you learned from playing T20?

I learned to keep my natural style of cricket intact under whatever circumstances. I guess that is what helped me in the last two games.

Are you afraid of being branded just as T20 player?

Oh no. At the end of the day, the skills required in any format are the same, and only the method of execution changes. I have high priority for playing Test cricket for the West Indies and hopefully, I will soon get a Test call.
Each person in the Caribbean loves Test cricket and hopefully I can soon play in front of them.

Now that the dispute between players and the West Indies board ended, how keen are you get back and play for the country?

All of us are waiting to turn out for the West Indies. We have a great cricketing culture and we are proud of it. In our next series we face Australia and they are a strong side. It will be a good challenge for youngsters in the side. I too hopefully will get to play a few games.

Are CL and IPL opening up more avenues for domestic players?

It is a great chance for many players like me. A good performance here can open the door to an IPL contract. We have seen some players who played well in IPL going on to play for their countries. So, this will do a lot of good for many cricketers.