Shai Hope keen to improve Test record when West Indies face England

Shai Hope admitted his modest Test record is a source of frustration but the West Indies batsman continues to back himself safe in the knowledge he has the capability to deliver exceptional displays.
Hope averages 27.23 after 31 Tests but he is back in the country where he came of age three years ago, becoming the first batsman to amass hundreds in both innings of a first-class match at Headingley.
The twin tons helped the Windies secure a surprise victory over England but they are an outlier in his Test career, the only times he has passed three figures in the format.

An average of 52.2 after 78 one-day internationals shows Hope is one of the islanders’ best batsmen and the 26-year-old hopes to boost his Test numbers during next month’s three-match series against England.
Hope said over Zoom conference call: “You’re going to be hard on yourself, especially when you know that you can get something done and it’s not really portraying on your stats card.
“My runs and stats aren’t exactly where I want them to be but I’m working towards that.
“I just have to continue believing in myself and back my ability because I know I can get it done. The key is to make sure that I take use of these opportunities and do whatever I can to make the team win.”

The Windies have placed an emphasis in their 25-man squad on fast bowling, with the experience of Kemar Roach, captain Jason Holder and, if fit, Shannon Gabriel dovetailing with the raw talents of youngsters Alzarri Joseph, Chemar Holder and Oshane Thomas.
However, more responsibility will be on the likes of Hope and opener Kraigg Brathwaite after batting duo Darren Bravo and Shimron Hetmyer declined a place in the travelling group.
Hope added: “We’re missing a few key players so it’s very important for us as top-order batters to get those runs on the board, especially in the first part of the game.
“(We have to) make sure we see off the new ball and make it easier for the batters coming down the line. As soon as you get those starts, you’ve got to make sure you capitalise and go big for the side.”
Latest
-
England
On this day in 2017: Sir Alastair Cook steps down as England Test captain
Cook’s 59 Tests in charge made him the nation’s longest-serving captain at the time.
-
England
Hoggard and Bresnan withdraw as ECB racism process ‘has failed everybody’
The case is due to be heard in public by a Cricket Discipline Commission panel at the start of next month.
-
England
ECB’s Azeem Rafiq racism investigation has ‘failed everyone’ – Matthew Hoggard
Ex-England player Hoggard has withdrawn his co-operation from the process.
-
County Cricket
Ex-England and Yorkshire seamer Matthew Hoggard pulls out of racism hearing
Hoggard was charged by the ECB in June.
-
Women's Cricket
Jon Lewis keen to take World Cup fight to dominant Australia
England open their campaign against the West Indies on February 11.
-
England
Jos Buttler understands ‘complicated’ decision for players to skip Bangladesh
Alex Hales, Sam Billings and Liam Dawson are among those missing the white-ball tour to play in the Pakistan Super League.
-
New Zealand
Kyle Jamieson returns to New Zealand fold for England Tests but Trent Boult out
Fast bowler Jamison has played for New Zealand since last summer.
-
England
Jos Buttler focusing on positives despite England’s series loss in South Africa
There were some standout performances in the series as Jason Roy, Dawid Malan and Buttler all made hundreds.
-
England
England hand Rehan Ahmed first white-ball call-up for tour of Bangladesh
Ahmed became England’s youngest men’s Test cricketer when he lined up against Pakistan in Karachi.
-
England
How are England’s prospects looking ahead of World Cup defence?
Twin defeats in Bloemfontein meant victory in Kimberley was a mere consolation for double world champions England.