Emrit Undaunted By Tendulkar Challenge

Thu, Jan 18, '07

 

The newest member of the West Indies team is excited about the likelihood of bowling to batting genius Sachin Tendulkar, but he is not daunted by the undoubtedly challenging task.

"I am excited to go out there and bowl at world class players such as (Sachin) Tendulkar and (Rahul) Dravid and hopefully getting them out as well," a composed Rayad Emrit said from his Mumbai hotel room on Thursday evening.

A surprise selection to many, Emrit, the medium fast bowling all-rounder from Trinidad and Tobago, is on his first tour with the West Indies team after consistent performances at the regional level.

"It was a bit of a surprise (being selected) at first, having just played one (West Indies) A Team game but I know I have been working hard at my game, and having a good season last year and the year before I knew it (being selected to the West Indies squad) would come soon," the 25-year-old said.

Emrit has very clear and defined goals for the four match series against India.

"My first goal is to get selected in final 11 and then do what I have been doing all the time that is getting wickets and scoring runs consistently," said the right handed who has a highest first-class score of 112, his only century at that level.

"I am really looking forward to getting onto the field and getting started, looking at the guys on TV, it's a dream come through to actually be here and I am excited to go out there and show what I'm capable of," said Emrit, who has 57 first class wickets from 23 matches.

Emrit also wants to use the short series in India as a stepping stone for greater short term rewards.

"I also see this as a good opportunity to secure a spot in the squad for the World Cup," said the rookie all-rounder.