Pooran the Test Cricketer

Following on from Kharthikeya's analysis of Pooran - the Franchise Kid. Luke Dunning assesses the future for Nicholas Pooran in Test cricket.

With the resurgence of Jos Buttler against Pakistan talk has turned once more to Nicholas Pooran and his test cricket potential.

Familiar refrains echo whenever Pooran and the red ball game is mentioned, his three first class games are held against him as a sign of his inability to be ready for Tests.

However whilst the lack of games are a concern, that does not mean a blueprint shouldn’t be laid out to fast-track Pooran in.

Provided Pooran truly wants to play the format there is a four step blueprint as to how he can become a Test cricketer.

Define his role

If we look at Jos Buttler’s England career as a comparison. Buttler averages 43.50 in Test Cricket batting at 6 with the freedom to play his natural role. At number 7 when he is expected to nurse the tail, he averages 30.90 and at number 5 where he is expected to take responsibility as a batsman – he averages 28.63. It may be just one position in the order but it can make all the difference.

For Pooran, he must determine where he would feel comfortable. Obviously it depends on the team management but they will need to give him every chance like England have with Buttler. Should selectors not be patient with him he could turn out like the Rishabh Pant situation where he is dropped despite averaging 38.76. Only time will tell but it won’t happen unless Pooran decides where and how he wants to bat in First Class Cricket.

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Align his role to First Class Cricket within the West Indies

The second step of the creation of Pooran the Test match cricketer must be to make himself available for the majority of Trinidad and Tobago’s First Class team. He may only have the chance to play one season before he is snapped up by the West Indies Test side but he needs to educate himself within the red ball game before he can think of a test call up.

Of course, Trinidad must be onside too.  They must understand the talent of the player they have coming through and allow him to be nurtured into their side with a role that suits his talents. Whether Pooran decides he is going to be a solid number five or a counter attacking number seven, this has to be supported by both his First Class team and in turn, the West Indies.

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Become selective in his T20 experiences

Pooran does not need to give up travelling the world playing in T20 tournaments because that would be a bad career move, not just financially but also the experience he will gain. The benefit of the guys he shares dressing room with enhance his own game. Therefore what is required is that he be more selective about the T20 leagues he chooses to play.

Pooran cannot truly dedicate himself to the red ball format if he doesnt play as much of the West Indian First Class competition as possible. National team clashes are to be expected but he shouldn’t sign himself to tournaments that clash initially.

This level of commitment should also extend to the West Indies A tours should he be selected. That way he increases his experience of playing red ball in different countries.

In terms of T20 competition the CPL is important as it is his home tournament but playing The County Championship and Blast combo would be vital in learning the trade of red ball batting in England on some really tough wickets – it may be that Pooran can only play two or three fixtures but it would be such a fruitful learning experience.

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Grab his chance with both hands

It’s obvious to say but Pooran has to stick to his guns when his chance comes. If he decides he is going to play as a counter attacker and gets out caught in the ring, then it has to be allowed. The only time he should be questioned is after two or three series of not learning from his mistakes.

Two or three series is important because he has to be given a long go should be do the ground work to make this West Indies team. There is no point sacrificing the IPL or other franchise leagues if West Indies do not give him the best part of a year and a half to cement his place.

Article edited by Machel St Patrick Hewitt

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