Attacking T&T Red Force opener Evin Lewis has declared himself available for West Indies Test selection. The Marchin Patriots player will make his first appearance for the Red Force in First-Class cricket in nine years when they face the Leeward Islands in a three-match series in Antigua, starting Sunday (April 12).
Unveiling the National Cricket Centre in Balmain, Couva, as the “Home of the Red Force,” Lewis said he’s ready to wear the whites.
“I’m available, to be honest. I’ve always thought about playing Test cricket. I think now is the perfect opportunity to go there, execute, have some fun, and enjoy my cricket,” said Lewis.
Lewis enjoyed a prolific season for Marchin Patriots in the T&T Cricket Board Premier Division One, scoring 655 runs, including a run of three consecutive centuries and a double hundred (232 not out) against Merryboys. The 34-year-old has compiled 2,279 One Day International (ODI) runs at an average of 36.75 and 1,799 T20 runs at 29.01, and he hopes to add Test figures to his limited-overs record.
For now, Lewis is focused on immediate goals with the Red Force.
“I’m going to take it one step at a time. Most importantly, I want to have a good tournament to actually put a little more pressure on the selectors as well,” he said.
He is also mentoring younger players across his teams—Marchin Patriots, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots and the Red Force.
“Whenever you step on the field, always give your best and never give the selectors a chance to drop you,” Lewis advised.
“Saturday and Sunday (club cricket) is the work. It’s a job we are doing and something we love and enjoy. So you always have to give 100% whether you’re on the field or off the field.”
Lewis and the Red Force travel to Antigua tomorrow.
