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By Neto Baptiste
Wicketkeeper batter Jewel Andrew said he fought back tears while receiving his symbolic West Indies cap from teammate Keacy Carty on his T20 International debut for the senior men’s team against Pakistan on July 31 in Florida.
The Antiguan, at age 18 years and 236 days, became the youngest player ever to debut for the West Indies in the T20 format when he featured at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground, Lauderhill, Florida.
“I actually tried not to cry to be honest; he [Keacy Carty] is someone I see, off the field, as a brother so him giving me my cap felt good and I just want to make him proud. He said to just go out and be fearless and keep doing what I’ve been doing because that got me here, so just keep going,” he said.
Andrew was joint top scorer with Johnson Charles for the West Indies with 35 runs each. The Antiguan cricketer hit three sixes and a four during his 33-ball stay at the crease. West Indies lost the opening clash by 14 runs.
Speaking ahead of the second T20 International on August 2, Andrew said he has to adapt quickly to a much higher standard but that having the support of those around him has helped tremendously.
“Definitely lower bad balls and there are more quality bowlers so it is just for me to now try and negate that and try to give of my best, definitely change my mindset because you can’t smoke [hit away] every ball at this level. So it’s just about getting my mind right before a game. Talking to my mom usually helps me and just getting my mind in a good space before a game normally helps me to go out and perform at this level,” he said.
West Indies lost the three-match T20 series 2-1 after winning the second match by two wickets to level the series 1-1, but going under by 13 runs in the final encounter on August 3. The first of three One Day Internationals between the two teams will be contested on August 8 in Trinidad.
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