Kirton keen on all-round performance

Attacking middle-order batsman Nicholas Kirton has plans this year to perform with bat and ball when the Barbados Pride squad depart the island soon to compete in the CG Insurance Super50 Competition scheduled to take place in Antigua.

Playing in his third Super 50 tournament with this being his second outing for Barbados Pride, the 22-year-old Kirton said he feels good about his inclusion to play alongside captain Jason Holder.

“I am excited about the opportunity especially this time with the likes of Jason Holder, Roston Chase and the other West Indian guys back. Just to get the experience to play with them.

“I don’t have any particular set goals going into the tournament especially since it’s a shorter tournament where they would be playing everyone once instead of twice. It is just to put my best foot forward when the opportunity comes,” Kirton said.

He noted that his batting position for the upcoming tournament may vary depending on what the team requires. However, he is hoping to raise his batting average to over 40 or even 50 as his current List A average is just over 30.

The former West Indies Under-19 cricketer explained that carrying up his average would give him a good gauge in terms of where he is at against opponents.

Kirton also revealed he is working equally as hard on his bowling just in case he is called upon to step up in that department.

“If it comes to a point I am needed to bowl in the games obviously I can do the job for the team. So, that is something I am trying to improve on moving forward as well,” he added.

The solid 15-man Barbados side coached by Dexter Toppin will feature in the February 7th to 27th competition and Kirton fancies Barbados’ chances.

“I think we have a pretty good chance. It is just a matter of the team gelling together and everybody performing because as I said with the West Indies players back, that is a bonus for us.

“But at the end of the day, the other players who are a bit greener still have to pull our weight for us to bring home the title. So, we have a very good chance. It is just a matter of everyone doing what they are supposed to do and perform in their particular roles on the given day,” he said.

morissalindsay@barbadostoday.bb