“Hetmyer has the ability to be one of the best batsmen in the world,” says Harper

After 16 Test matches and 30 innings for the West Indies, Guyana’s batting maestro, Shimron Hetmyer is yet to score a Test century. Despite his poor showing in the longer formats, Hetmyer has shown skill and ability on different occasions wherever he plays. However, consistency has been his issue as it is for many other Caribbean batting talents.

Hetmyer has returned to both the Test and T20 squads and he will be on that jet to New Zealand. Lead selector of the West Indies, Roger Harper disclosed, during his virtual media interaction after the squad announcement, that he personally believes that Hetmyer has the ability to be one of the best batsmen in the world, even in Test cricket.

West Indies lead selector Roger Harper

“I would like to think that having missed the England tour he (Hetmyer) is hungry to get back and anxious to show what a quality player he is in all formats of the game, especially in Test cricket. I personally feel that Hetmyer has the ability to be one of the best batsmen in the world, in Test cricket as well. As he gets to understand the rhythm of Test cricket and the approach needed, he will show that and help the team to build big totals,” Harper explained

With the batting to be under the microscope again, Harper posited that the return of Hetmyer, Darren Bravo, and Keemo Paul will bolster the team. Harper is expecting Darren to solidify the top order, hopefully making it more productive, while Hetmyer is expected to give the squad more options in the middle order and it is another opportunity for him to show what a good player he is.

The 23-year-old Hetmyer, who played his last Test match in November 2019, opted out of the Test tour to England owing to Covid-19 concerns. Hetmyer made his international debut in white-ball cricket the last time West Indies toured New Zealand, so he will have experience playing in those conditions. (Brandon Corlette)