Badree warns of ‘dangerous’ Pakistan

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (CMC):

Leg-spinner Samuel Badree said yesterday West Indies would be wary of an unpredictable Pakistan side, as they chased victory in the upcoming three-match Twenty20 International series.

He told journalists here that Pakistan were a dangerous unit and said West Indies would have to play well if they were to top the hosts in the games, which run from September 23-27 in the United Arab Emirates.

"Pakistan are very similar to us in terms of their consistency or lack of it," Badree told reporters.

"One day, they give a brilliant performance just like us and the next day there is a lot to be desired. On their day, they can demolish any opposition. We are wary of that challenge.

"We respect every opposition that we come up against and we are going to do the same against Pakistan, and we are going to prepare well and execute our plans as best as we can, knowing they are a very dangerous team."

MISSING PLAYERS

West Indies will not be at full strength for the series, especially with a few of the players who were members of the T20 World Cup-winning squad last April now missing.

Darren Sammy, who captained the side to that triumph in India, has been axed by selectors, while Chris Gayle and AndrÈ Russell are unavailable for varying reasons. Also, batsman Lendl Simmons was overlooked for medical reasons.

All-rounder Carlos Brathwaite has taken over leadership of the squad, while the uncapped Rovman Powell and Nicholas Pooran, along with Chadwick Walton who played the last of this two T20s two years ago, have been called up.

"It is a different team from the team that played the World Cup. We have a lot of new guys, a few guys making their debut on this tour," said the 35-year-old Badree.

"We have been here before, many of us. The heat is quite different to what we are accustomed to. We came a bit early realising we need to acclimatise, so within the next week before the first game against Pakistan, we will be well adjusted and fit and all players will be 100 per cent ready for the challenge."

The two opening games - on September 23 and 24 - are set for here in Dubai, with the final game on September 27 carded for Abu Dhabi.

"I've been here in the PSL (Pakistan Super League). I've played with Islamabad United, the team that eventually won the competition, so I've got quite a bit of experience here," the Trinidadian noted.

"The pitches seem to be very good for T20 cricket and that's what you're looking for - good games, competitive games. Like I've said before, a number of the guys have been here before - the likes of (Sunil) Narine, (Dwayne) Bravo, (Kieron) Pollard etcetera - so we're looking forward to some very good games of cricket.

"Of course, we'd like to win this series and remain one of the best T20 teams in the world."