Cricket: Don't want to rush back to international cricket: Narine

Brushing aside the recent criticism that was levied upon him and few more top stars, Windies offspinner Sunil Narine has once again reiterated his desire to play for the national side. Narine, alongside Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo and Andre Russell were criticised for declining to aid Windies in their bid to qualify for the 2019 World Cup. While announcing the squad for the World Cup Qualifier to be held in Zimbabwe, chairman of selectors Courtney Browne mentioned that the four players had prioritised the Pakistan Super League ahead of national commitments.

Narine though pointed out that he need to play some games in the domestic 50-over format in order to get accustomed to the format before donning the national colours again. "It's nothing like that," Narine told the Massy United Insurances Line & Length TV show. "I just don't want to rush back into International cricket and the 50-over game. I think I need to play some 50-overs cricket at the regional level and get accustomed again."

The 29-year-old is currently playing for Trinidad & Tobago in the Regional Super50, where he has already picked up 10 wickets in three games at an astonishing economy rate of 2.27. Narine revealed that he will be willing to play ODIs for Windies again once he regains his confidence. "I don't want to rush back into it and make a mess of myself," Narine said. "I think it's about my self-performance, self-belief and trying to go out there and perform for Trinidad & Tobago and once I can do that I will be available for West Indies again.

"I think playing for the West Indies is the ultimate goal. I think you must try and enjoy your cricket and enjoy it no matter what. So, I will see how these games go in the Super50 and if I am comfortable and enjoying it, why not, I will play for West Indies again."

Narine has also backed the Windies to have a good tournament in Zimbabwe and qualify for the World Cup, advising them to stay positive in order to get the job done."I think they can (qualify). They have a good team," he said. "They just need to enjoy the cricket, be positive and once they are enjoying it, they can play as well as they want to."

(CRICBUZZ)