Evin Lewis has put his hand up for West Indies Test selection as he prepares to return to first-class action for the Red Force after a nine-year absence. Lewis, a key player for Marchin Patriots, will join the Red Force for a three-match clash with the Leeward Islands in Antigua beginning Sunday, April 12.
Speaking at the launch of the National Cricket Centre, Lewis said he’s ready to don the whites. “I'm available. I've always thought about playing Test cricket. I think now is the perfect opportunity to go there, execute, have some fun and enjoy my cricket.”
The 34-year-old enjoyed a stunning domestic season, scoring 655 runs for Bess Motors Marchin Patriots, including three straight centuries and a double century (232* vs Merryboys). He has previously amassed 2,279 ODI runs at 36.75 and 1,799 T20 runs at 29.01 and wants to translate that form into the longer format.
Lewis is concentrating on strong performances for the Red Force to strengthen his case. “I'm going to take it one step at a time. Most importantly, I want to have a good tournament to actually put a little more pressure on the selectors as well.”
He’s also passing on experience to younger teammates across Marchin Patriots, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots and the Red Force. “Whenever you step on the field, always give your best and never give the selectors a chance to drop you,” he said.
Lewis and the Red Force leave Trinidad and Tobago for Antigua on Thursday.