Shai Hope

A top-order batsman who knows how to score big runs, Hope is a consistent run-scorer and one of the most reliable performers in the West Indies side

The Cricketer | 04/05/2019 at 14:22

Born: November 10, 1993

Role: Right-hand bat, wicketkeeper

An immensely talented stroke player, Shai Hope made his Test debut at 21 after playing only 14 first-class matches for Barbados.

Having made his Barbados debut in the 2012-13 season, Hope’s 628 runs in nine matches in the 2014-15 season is what persuaded the selectors that he was worthy of a Test spot against England at Bridgetown.

However, at such a tender age and with such little experience, Hope only averaged 16 in his first 10 Tests and had a real point to prove when it came to the return series against England away from home.

In the first game of the 2017 series, at Edgbaston, a day/night game with a pink ball, Hope was undone and West Indies collapsed to an embarrassing defeat by an innings and 209 runs.

In the second Test at Headingley, West Indies famously chased down 322 to win their first Test in England in 17 years and Hope was the star of the show with hundreds in both the innings.

A great display of talent and character by the young batsman, Hope has gone on to establish himself in ODI cricket as well where he has scored more than 1,500 runs at a healthy average well in excess of 40.

When at his fluent best, he truly embodies the typical West Indian style of batting.

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