India v West Indies 2013: "We are going to give Sachin and the team a run for their money," - West Indies off spinner Shane Shillingford

Shane Shillingford

“We are the underdogs but we have great players that do the basics well and we are going to give Sachin and the team a run for their money,” – West Indies off spinner Shane Shillingford thinks he can create an impact and can play spoil sport in the series that will largely focus on Sachin Tendulkar.

Shillingford, who toured India two years ago and watched West Indies struggle against the Indians, is one of the most promising spinning talents to emerge from the Northern Windward Islands and has now managed to break into into the Test squad over taking the limited overs spinning star Sunil Narine.

Along with Veerasammy Permaul, Shillinford will be the key on turning Indian pitches but he acknowledges the fact that touring India is one of the most difficult assignments.

“It was difficult to come to India and not play some years ago but I watched carefully and learned from the sidelines. They have passionate crowds and it can be tough at times but since then, I’ve honed my craft and taken notes” – Shillingford said.

However, the tall West Indian is confident that he won’t face much pressure since he has been prepared for it by the legendary Pakistani off spinner, Saqlain Mustaq.

“This pressure is something Saqlain [Mushtaq] helped prepare us for with his spin clinic in Barbados recently. This course taught us about inspiration, tactics, physical and mental preparation and I’m looking forward to implementing these things in India.”

The 30-year-old made his debut in South Africa in 2010 and has had an impressive start to his Test career and has picked up 48 wickets in the 10 Tests that he has featured in.