West Indies batter Shai Hope is determined to make the most of his return to Test cricket as he prepares for the upcoming three-match series against Australia—his first Test match since 2021.
Hope has been named in a reshaped West Indies squad for the home series, with Roston Chase appointed captain. His inclusion has drawn attention, reflecting the faith placed in him by head coach Daren Sammy and the selection panel, who are looking to challenge the Aussies with a fresh approach.
Hope ready to give his absolute best
“I’m pleased to be back,” Hope told ESPNcricinfo. “It’s not something I was specifically aiming for in terms of thinking, ‘I must return to Test cricket’. But if the opportunity arises, I’m always ready to embrace it.
“If I choose to do something, I commit fully. So now that I’m back in the Test fold, my focus is to give it everything. Whether success comes or not is for others to judge, but I’ll be giving my absolute best,” added Hope.
Hope famously burst onto the Test scene with two centuries at Headingley in 2017, steering the West Indies to a famous win against England, followed by a solid 62 at Lord’s. However, inconsistency in the longest format eventually saw him dropped from the side, in contrast to his strong performances in One-Day Internationals.
The upcoming series offers Hope a fresh start in whites. He is expected to bat in the middle order in the opening Test in Barbados and will also take on wicketkeeping duties.
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