Bishoo hopes to play a key role against India

The 30-year-old has been named the frontline spinner in the 13-man West Indies squad and is currently part of the ongoing camp at the 3Ws Oval at the UWI Cave Hill Campus, in preparation for the July 21 to August 22 series. 

“The bowling is good. I didn’t get to play many matches in the Caribbean T20 (CPL) but Test cricket is a whole different kettle of fish,” Bishoo said. “I’m up for it, I really want to have a good series. It’s very important for me. I know I will have to bowl long spells but I just want to bowl long good spells and get a lot of wickets in the tournament.” 

Bishoo has played 15 Tests since making his debut five years ago, and has picked up 55 wickets at an average of 38. He took 15 wickets in four Tests last year but West Indies struggled, losing to Australia at home, Sri Lanka away and then in the return series Down Under. However, Bishoo said there was a great mood in the camp and the squad were working hard to improve their performances. “We’ve been putting in the work since day one and we’ve been enjoying it as a team. All the boys are very comfortable and we’re looking forward to the tournament,” the Guyanese said. 

“Everyone is really up for it and we really want to do well in the series. As a young team, there are a lot of expectations on us as for the last few Test matches we haven’t been doing that great but I think the team is coming along very well. “We’re getting there as a team, the togetherness is there and we’ll like to take it from here.” The series is expected to be tough one against a side rated number three in the world and which includes the likes of captain Virat Kohli, who is the number two-ranked batsman in world cricket. 

Bishoo said it would be important that West Indies prepared in all areas, especially physically and mentally, if they were to get the better of the Indians. “Both sides are important, the mental side and then the physical part of it. If you’re not fit you can’t focus that well,” he contended. “Test matches are long and drawn out but at the end of the day you have to be tough. If you’re mentally fit and physically fit, you make it a lot easier on yourself and on your body.”