Da Silva ready for S/Lanka battle

Trinidad and Tobago wicketkeeper-batsman Joshua Da Silva is bracing for a "bruising battle" as the West Indies prepare to face Sri Lanka in the opening Test in Antigua. After an 18-month absence from the regional Test setup, Da Silva earned his recall following a stellar West Indies Championship campaign, where he topped the scoring charts for the title-winning Trinidad and Tobago Red Force with 413 runs, including a double century.

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For us, I think it’s just going to be a fight. It’s going to be a dogfight at the end of the day, depending on what the pitch looks like. But I know that the bowling attack that we have is one of the best in the world.

Da Silva expressed his eagerness to make the most of this second opportunity in the Test arena. "It felt like I haven’t been away for very long," he said, noting the warm reception from his teammates. Having previously spent five years in the Test setup, he is focused on performing well, scoring runs, and keeping effectively to secure a longer tenure this time around. "I had five years before, so hopefully I can make that a little longer and beat that record for myself," he stated.

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It’s been really good coming back in. I felt like I haven’t been away for very long. I’ve been accepted and been mingling as if I’ve been here for the last couple of years. I was out for a little while, went back to first-class cricket, did what I had to do, scored runs and got another opportunity and I’m trying to make the best of it.

The 28-year-old acknowledged the strength of the Sri Lankan team, describing them as well-rounded with a capable batting lineup, spinners, and fast bowlers. However, he remains confident in the West Indies' bowling attack, which he considers among the best globally. "We know for sure we’ll get 20 wickets," Da Silva asserted, emphasizing the team's belief in their ability to take crucial wickets.

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It’s just to start well. Coming back into the team, get accustomed to playing at the international level again, find my feet, score runs obviously, keep well. I’m trying to keep myself in the team for as long as possible again. Hopefully longer than the last time. I had five years before, so hopefully I can make that a little longer and beat that record for myself.

Beyond his personal goals, Da Silva is also looking forward to witnessing potential milestones from his pace bowling colleagues. He expressed excitement for his close friend Jayden Seales, who is nearing 100 Test wickets, and acknowledged the enduring prowess of veteran Kemar Roach, who is approaching 300 Test wickets. "The senior pro is the senior pro. We know what Kemar has done, what he’s capable of doing and what he continues to do," Da Silva said.

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The senior pro is the senior pro. We know what Kemar has done, what he’s capable of doing and what he continues to do.