Mohammed glad for West Indies call-up

Jason Mohammed geared up for the West Indies Tri-Nations One-Day series in Zimbabwe with a crucial half century for the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force yesterday to put the hosts in the lead on the second day of the day/night West Indies Cricket Board Regional Four-Day match against the Windward Islands Volcanoes.

At the Queen’s Park Oval, Mohammed, who got a last-minute call-up to the West Indies One-Day International team as a replacement for Darren Bravo, made 70 for the home team as they reached 200 for six at the dinner break.

Having dismissed the Volcanoes for 142 a day earlier thanks to Roshon Primus’ heroics on debut, the Red Force took the lead yesterday following a delayed start due to rain.

Resuming on 139 for five, Mohammed spanked the second ball of the day for four to put the hosts ahead.

He and overnight batsman Steven Katwaroo shared a 74-run stand for the sixth wicket to take the score to 192 before Mohammed departed, caught behind by wicketkeeper Sunil Ambris off the bowling of Kenroy Peters. Mohammed faced 95 balls and batted for close to two and a half hours. He struck 11 boundaries.

Katwaroo and Primus then took the lead past 50 as T&T went into the dinner break on 200 for six.

Speaking about his call-up to the regional side Mohammed said he was excited by the prospect of getting a longer run at the highest level.

“It is good to be called up to the West Indies senior team again. I have worked hard over the last few months prior to the West Indies “A” team tour and I also had a good tour. I think I am still in good form so I am looking forward to the opportunity,” he told the Express yesterday.

“For me, I am happy to be joining the squad. It has always been my dream to represent the West Indies, hopefully whenever I get a game I can make full use of the opportunity,” Mohammed added.

“It has been a while since my debut but I went with the senior team to Sri Lanka last year and played one game. Hopefully I can get a longer run this time and play three or four matches and try and gain some momentum in my international career.

“I am just hoping to make the best use of it. It is a perfect opportunity to get some good scores and cement my spot in the team,” Mohammed added.

West Indies Under-19 World Cup winner Jyd Goolie will replace Mohammed for the remainder of the match.

First Published In The Trinidad Express.