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Hungry Windies rookies eager to impress

Cape Town - West Indies new boys Kesrick Williams, Rovman Powell and Nicholas Pooran are keen to make a splash in the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.

Pakistan host the West Indies in their adopted home for three T20Is and the world champions have brought along three uncapped players with a point to prove.

Fast bowler Williams said: "It is really fantastic to be called up for the West Indies team; something every young man would dream about, to play international cricket.

"The determination is there, I am just ready to go, execute, and put my name out there in international cricket."

Wicket-keeper batsman Pooran is delighted to have realised a dream in being selected for the West Indies and is looking forward to turning out with T20 heroes like Carlos Brathwaite.

"It's a dream come true," Pooran said.

"I always thought I will play for West Indies when I was 21. I am 20 at the moment. While I was a youngster, I watched these guys win two World Cups. It's an amazing achievement for me. Just trying to take the opportunity and make the full use of it."

For all-rounder Powell the day he was called up stands out as a moment of pure joy.

Powell commented: "Getting the call from Courtney Browne was one of the happiest days of my life.

"Representing West Indies at any level is something that I dream about. The dream has come to a reality."

Williams didn't get in on the action during the warm up game against the Emirates Cricket Board XI only spending some time in the field and not being required to bat or bowl, but Powell and Pooran shared a 52 run stand to put their hands up for selection against Pakistan.

Powell indicated that the primary focus during that innings was to get used to the conditions: "I just stuck to the basics, when the ball comes in my area, I get a start and expand my range.

"The thought process was simple, just get used to the conditions in Dubai."

Pooran has fond memories of Dubai having struck 143 off 160 balls during the under-19 World Cup in 2014.

The keeper quipped: "I have good memories of Dubai. I expect to do something special again here. I am looking forward to the challenge."
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