Former national cricketer Surujdath Mahabir says that Akeal Hosein is an ideal choice for the West Indies team during their upcoming T20 Internationals in New Zealand.
Hosein was a standout performer for the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) in the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) tournament that recently ended in T&T. He grabbed 10 wickets at an average of 15.0 which went a long way in securing the title for the TKR. He enjoyed a best of 3/14 against Jamaica Tallawahs.
Mahabir who is also the president of the Secondary Schools Cricket League and the general secretary of the T&T Cricket Board (TTCB) said that Hosein is an ideal replacement for the long-retired Samuel Badree.
“Since Badree retired we have not had that spinner that we can move around effectively. Badree was effective in opening the bowling and this is where we can use Akeal Hosein very effectively,” said Mahabir.
The West Indies is due to play three T20 matches and two Test matches on their tour of New Zealand. The first match of the series gets going on November 17 and the West Indies selectors are due to meet at the end of this month to choose the T20 team and the Test team.
Mahabir continued: “Added to Hosein’s prowess with the ball as a left-arm orthodox spinner, he is a very good fielder and also a capable batsman. He and Khary Pierre both performed well during the CPL but I thought that Akeal was more effective.”
Hosein has a First Class hundred for the T&T Red Force in regional cricket which underlines his batting ability. In 40 T20 matches, he has taken 23 wickets at an average of 29.30 and an economy rate of 6.65.
Mahabir ended by saying that he wishes the team all the best and he sees no reason why the West Indies can’t win the series.
“When you look at our T20 practitioners who should not be losing any T20 series. I wish the team all the best on their tour and New Zealand and would really like to see the selectors give Akeal a look in.”
