Nicholas Pooran determined to grab second chance with both hands

May 25 (CRICKETNMORE) - Four years on from a horrific car accident that could have ended his career before it had really begun, Nicholas Pooran is determined to make the most of his second chance.

The 23-year old wicket-keeper has long been tipped for big things, ever since making his West Indies debut in their under-19 side, aged just 16.

But just over four years ago he sustained serious injuries in a car accident that left him worrying whether he’d ever play cricket again.

His tendon had ruptured and his ankle fractured and should he make his mark on the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup this summer then Trinidad and Tobago surgeon Dr Ali, who deftly performed two surgeries in the space of 24 hours, will have played a critical supporting role.

He watched the last World Cup while on crutches but within months was back in the nets, making his West Indies T20 debut in September 2016.

However, a duck on his ODI debut against England in February is something he is keen to forget.

“Being in this team means a lot, it makes all the struggles, the tough times and the hard work worth it,” said Pooran, who will start the tournament as back-up to Shai Hope behind the stumps.

“It means a lot to me to have a chance to contribute, I didn’t want to sit at home and watch this World Cup, that would have been very hard. I want to show people what I can do.

“The accident made you appreciate every opportunity that comes to you and nothing is more special than having the chance to present the West Indies in a World Cup. It’s the dream I’ve had ever since I first started to play.

“We know we are underdogs but that doesn’t matter, we know that when we execute our game then no-one is going to want to play us.

“Our plan is to relax and not stress. Our culture is to enjoy it, we have to make fun of things that aren’t funny. No-one enjoys their cricket more than us.”

Pooran was labelled a ‘young Chris Gayle’ by Kings XI coach Mike Hesson and insists he is better for the experience of being in the same team as the ‘Universe Boss’ in the recent Indian Premier League.

And if you need evidence of his Gayle style big-hitting, look at some recent knocks in the T10 league in Abu Dhabi, including 77 off 25 balls and 62 off 24.

He averaged 28, with a top score of 48, from seven IPL games, but claims the learning experience trumped any stats.

“I learn from Chris every time I play with him, there is always something to pick up,” he said.

“Too much is made from switching from the IPL to the 50-over format, I don’t think it’s as difficult as people like to say. We are professional cricketers and our job is to adjust to different formats and conditions, we’re ready.”

ICC