BRIDGETOWN–One of the West Indies' newest batting recruits Kirk Edwards is intent on cementing his place in the regional side, on the upcoming One-Day International tour of Sri Lanka. "You want to get in and try to stay in. That's your aim," said the 26-year-old right-hander, the only new face in a 15-man squad for the series of five ODIs and one Twenty20 International. "When you play for a cricket team, you want to be a 'set' player in the team and a player who is known for doing well and winning games for the team. Staying in is definitely the first objective." Edwards' call-up was not surprising, especially following consistent performances for West Indies A earlier this year against Zimbabwe and Pakistan A in the Caribbean and away to Bangladesh and England.
He is one of four players coming into the Windies ODI squad, with allrounder Kieron Pollard, left-arm spinner Nikita Miller, and fast bowler Ravi Rampaul also being called up for the December 9-21 series. "I was cool about it (selection). I was expecting it sooner or later. It means a lot. It was a dream from a child. It is a great feeling," he told the Daily Nation newspaper here. "I would attribute my selection to doing well for the 'A' team and having a decent one-day tournament in Jamaica. "I put it down to my will and determination and also doing well in Barbados and not being recognised. I decided that I had to be more outstanding. Those things drive me. I realised that I had to step it up." (CMC)