Hosein backs mix of instincts, data to get one over on Indians

LUCKNOW, India (CMC):

Veteran West Indies spinner Akeal Hosein has revealed that data analysis will play a key role for the team’s bowlers in the upcoming five-match T20I series against India’s powerful batting line-up.

The Windies enter the series as major underdogs, having won just one of their last 10 T20Is in India, with that lone victory coming in 2019.

Hosein is on the verge of becoming only the fourth West Indian to play 100 T20Is, joining Rovman Powell (120), Nicholas Pooran (106) and Kieron Pollard (101).

Known for his accuracy in the power play, the left-arm spinner is expected to be tested by India’s aggressive batters, including Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan.

Speaking during a pre-match press conference yesterday ahead of today’s opener, Hosein said data would be crucial in shaping the team’s bowling strategies.

“Bowling in the power play in general, it’s pretty scary, especially when you’re a spinner. It’s also extra difficult when you have good batting surfaces, and these guys who strike at high strike rates.

“Even though I might not have played against these guys a lot, there’s a lot of data around, so you can have your planning done,” Hosein said.

“If you’re playing in every one [of the five T20Is], then the opposition can plan better for you each time. So, it’s always about trying to stay one step ahead of the batter, trying to be as clever as possible, and just trying to get the job done for the team. I think that’s my general game plan.”

He said that with pitches expected to favour batters, as they did during the preceding ODI series, sticking to proven methods would be important.

However, he admitted there are times when it is necessary to “let instincts take over”.

“Don’t get too greedy or go trying things or experimenting. Just try and stick to what’s working, stick to what is the most difficult delivery for the batters to get away, and that should be your game plan,” Hosein said.

“I think, sometimes, you have to let instincts take over, because just as you’re looking at data and trying to exploit guys’ weaknesses, they are also looking at the data as well and trying to get better.”

While the 33-year-old acknowledged that the Windies’ record against India has been modest, he said it was up to the players to change that narrative.

“For us, it’s just about going out there and planning well, and going out there and execute. I think the past is the past, and all we can do is control our output now and go out there and change that result,” Hosein said.