West Indies T20 leg-spinner Samuel Badree has praised his mother and wife among others for his rise on the international cricket scene.
Badree, who is currently in Guyana where he played in the Unity Cup match last night, has been chosen for the West Indies team for the upcoming World T20 in India. It is the third consecutive World T20 that the Barrackpore man has been selected for and he intends to make his mark.
He was a key figure in the West Indies winning the title back in 2012 against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka. He has been chosen as one of three spinners in Darren Sammy’s side. The other two being countryman Sunil Narine and Barbadian Sulieman Benn.
Speaking on his selection Badree said: “In all things, give thanks! I would like to give thanks to almighty God after having been selected for my third T20 World Cup. Those who know me would know my rise from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of T20I bowling rankings.
“My parents (more so my mother who was both mother and father), my siblings, my wife, Stacy Ramlal Badree (admire her tenacity) and kids (they do not fully comprehend my absence at times), my coaches (few and far between), have all helped me tremendously.”
Badree who is now ranked number one on the International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 bowling ratings, singled out Ben Santoo for special praise.
“I want to say a special thank you to Ben Santoo who inspired me, also my friends, colleagues at work, teammates and everyone else who supported me throughout my careers as a cricketer and an educator.”
Badree who was spotted by the national selectors after his exploits with PowerGen cricket club in domestic cricket is also a teacher and has helped many young athletes along the way. He recently returned from Australia, where he represented the Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash T20 tournament.