Fast bowler Miguel Cummins is hoping to find success in the upcoming West Indies A series against Bangladesh, after a poor regional first-class season for Barbados.
The pacy 23-year-old burst onto the scene with 35 wickets last year but mustered just five scalps this season in five outings at 42.80 apiece, as his form and fitness deserted him. However, Cummins says he is looking to rebound and prove his worth.
“I was plagued by injuries this past season and I was not at my best, but you have to get accustomed to these kinds of setbacks as a fast bowler and just try to rebound as quickly and as hard as possible,” said Cummins, who made his debut for West Indies in a one-dayer against Ireland earlier this year.
“I went back to the drawing board and I feel much fitter, much stronger . . . I did a lot of strength work and I did a lot of running, put some mileage in my legs which I did not have for the past season and I worked hard with my trainer and she feels I am in pretty good shape.
“I also worked on a number of areas in my game, so I feel more confident about this series that’s coming up.”
West Indies A face Bangladesh A in two four-day matches, three 50-overs matches and two Twenty20 contests, in a series that runs from May 26 to June 15 in Barbados.
He will compete for a spot alongside West Indies left-arm seamer Sheldon Cottrell and Barbados fast bowling all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite.
Above his personal ambitions, however, are those of the team.
“I want the team to do well. That’s the first and most important thing. A plus for us is that a lot of the players have spent time in Barbados and know the conditions at some of the venues,” he said.
“I want to put in my performances to assist with us winning this series, but also to show what I have learnt. I need to put my foot down and show what I am capable of doing again, and anything can happen from there.”
With this fitness challenges behind him, Cummins hopes he can make his mark in a big way.
“It feels great to be back to full fitness and my body is in good shape again. I am bowling well again,” he noted.
“I did not have the kind of season I wanted, but coming back to the [Sagicor West Indies High Performance Centre] and working with the coaches again has helped. I feel a lot stronger and I expect big things of myself in this upcoming series.” (CMC)
