BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – Garey Mathurin gained an unexpected, last-minute call to duty in the West Indies squad for two T20 Internationals in England next weekend. The 27-year-old left-arm spinner replaced off-spinner Ashley Nurse in the 14-member squad which leaves today for London.
“Nurse did not meet the required fitness standard during the ongoing West Indies team camp in Barbados and has been withdrawn from the squad as a result,” stated a West Indies Cricket Board media release yesterday.
Mathurin featured in all forms of the game for the Windwards over the last four years. He joined the West Indies camp on Friday, and seemed to have passed the rigourous fitness routine that has been the hallmark of new coach Ottis Gibson.
“I’m ecstatic. . .really delighted to be picked in the West Indies team,” said Mathurin. “It was totally unexpected.
“The team was picked a few weeks ago, and obviously I was not included, so I went back to the drawing board and continued to work. When I got the call that I would be in the touring squad as a replacement, I was thrilled.”
Mathurin added: “I see this as an opportunity given to me to represent the people of the Caribbean, and I’m looking to have a good tour.
“I’m looking forward to fitting into the new environment and working with the coach and the other members of the team. I’m a confident person and a confident cricketer, so I always keep a positive outlook.”
The selection comes as an early birthday present for Mathurin. He celebrates his 28th birthday on Friday, when the first T20 is to be played at The Oval in London.
Mathurin is known for his stingy bowling, and is also a capable lower-order batsman.
“In T20 cricket, it’s all about looking to get runs as quickly as possible so the aim of the bowler is to keep the batsmen in check and restrict the scoring,” he said.
“My main asset is my ability to keep it tight and build pressure on the batsmen. I see this as my job in the team.
“Also, I know I have to contribute with the bat, and I’m always looking to see what I can do to contribute to the team.”
The second T20I against England will be played at the same venue next Sunday.

Revised squad:
Darren Sammy (captain), Christopher Barnwell, Miles Bascombe, Devendra Bishoo, Nkrumah Bonner, Johnson Charles, Derwin Christian (wicketkeeper), Fidel Edwards, Danza Hyatt, Garey Mathurin, Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels, Krishmar Santokie, Dwayne Smith.