Trinidad and Tobago fast bowler Shannon Gabriel is optimistic about the West Indies’ chances against the South Africans and is expecting the Caribbean side to put up a good fight against the number one Test team in the world.
The West Indies, led by Denesh Ramdin, will play three Tests against South Africa and Gabriel is one of five pacers selected to go on the tour.
He joins Jerome Taylor, Kemar Roach, Sheldon Cottrell and Jason Holder in the travelling squad.
“I think everyone are probably expecting the South Africans to roll over us but I think the guys are ready to go out there and put up a fight and to show that we can be at number one again,” said Gabriel.
The T&T pacer feels he is ready for “the biggest challenge” of his career so far saying: “I have been working hard on my game for the past few months and I think I am in a good place right now and I think the wickets in South Africa are going to assist me a little, so I have been preparing myself. Mentally I am there and I am ready for the challenge.”
“To play against South Africa I think will be one of the biggest challenges of my career so far. It will be a big Test for me and for the team.
“Hopefully I can do well and make a name for myself and help the team come out on top,” Gabriel added.
“I think all the players will be ready…South Africa have a lot of good bowlers. They are the number one team in the world but I think we have a pretty good side and I think the guys just need to believe in themselves and stick to the basics,” he said.
West Indies Test squad: Denesh Ramdin (Captain), Sulieman Benn, Jermaine Blackwood, Kraigg Brathwaite, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Sheldon Cottrell, Assad Fudadin, Shannon Gabriel, Chris Gayle, Jason Holder, Leon Johnson, Kemar Roach, Marlon Samuels, Jerome Taylor, Chadwick Walton