Credit: BCCI
At 34 years old, Khary Pierre is on the verge of realizing his cherished dream: playing a Test match for the West Indies. He was recently included in the squad for the upcoming tour of India, and the news brought him immense joy.
“I was actually playing CPL for St Lucia Kings when I first got the news,” Pierre shared. “It`s a great honor and privilege to represent the West Indies, something I dreamt of since childhood, watching legends like Brian Lara play, and just following Test cricket. I was truly happy; I couldn`t put into words how I felt at that moment.”
Pierre`s journey to the top of cricket has been a long one. As part of Trinidad`s youth cricket system, he didn`t make his first-class debut until he was 25. It took him another nine years to advance to Test cricket level, but he never lost hope throughout. The left-arm spinner has played 35 red-ball matches, taking 111 wickets at an average of 22.81, and also boasts a first-class century to his name.
“I went through all levels of youth cricket: Under-15, Under-17, Under-19. I made my debut for Trinidad. It was tough, but I never gave up; I just worked hard,” Pierre stated. “I always strive to do more. Even after practice, I want to bowl more balls, hit more balls. As I always say, `Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.` I always apply that to my game.”
Earlier this year, Pierre topped the bowling charts in the West Indies Championship, the regional first-class competition, taking 41 wickets in seven games at an average of 13.56. He attributed his success to his “trademark” quality: complete dedication.
“I was just trying to enjoy my cricket. I think that was the key to my success this season in the Championship. I was taking the outcome out of it and [focusing on] giving 110%. I`m a cricketer who will always give 110% when I step onto the field. I leave everything on the cricket field – blood, sweat, tears – and that was my trademark this season, and it paid off. So, I`m really happy.”
Speaking about his strengths, Pierre emphasized control and consistency.
“I would say control, consistency, trying to keep the ball as full as possible to the batsman. Variations, using the crease, trying to outfox the batsman – I think that`s the aim of any spinner – using angles and things like that.”
