“I pride myself on being as fit and as ready as possible”: Shai Hope Reflects on Test Comeback Against Australia in Barbados Opener

West Indies wicketkeeper-batter Shai Hope has expressed his pride and joy at returning to the Caribbean Test side, as he prepares to play his first Test match since 2021. Hope will bat at No.6 and take the gloves in the opening encounter against Australia at Barbados, marking a significant comeback for the experienced cricketer.

The 30-year-old, known for his composure and resilience across formats, downplayed any expectations of a Test return but admitted that wearing the maroon jersey always brings immense pride. “Representing West Indies, they always give me a lot of joy and pride. That was the main focus — just being able to represent the region and bring my impact on the game, and hopefully inspire the next generation,” Hope told ESPNcricinfo.

While acknowledging he hadn’t necessarily targeted a return to red-ball cricket, Hope reiterated his willingness to accept any opportunity. “I’m happy to be back. It’s not something I would say I was looking forward to in terms of, ‘I have to play Test cricket again.’ But if the opportunity came, I would always be willing to take it.”

Hope also addressed his commitment to the role, asserting that if he’s on the field, he will give it everything — regardless of selection outcomes. “If I decided to come back and play Test cricket, my main focus would be to give it my all. If success is there or not, the decision to leave me in or include me, that’s up to the selectors. But I will stay fully committed to the task at hand.”

He further spoke about managing workloads across all three formats, a challenge for modern-day cricketers. “The reality is the best or the most elite players, they don’t play all throughout the year in all three formats,” he said. “So there’s some rest involved, some give or take. But I pride myself on being as fit and as ready as possible for whatever is thrown at me.”

West Indies XI: 1. Kraigg Brathwaite, 2. John Campbell, 3. Keacy Carty, 4. Brandon King, 5. Roston Chase (c), 6. Shai Hope (wk), 7. Justin Greaves, 8. Jomel Warrican, 9. Alzarri Joseph, 10. Shamar Joseph, 11. Jayden Seales.