Smith aiming to lift West Indies on Pakistan tour

Jamaican all-rounder Odean Smith has impressed several cricket pundits who believe the burly right-hander is ready to secure a permanent place in the West Indies white ball set-up.

Smith and four other newcomers, Justin Greaves, Dominic Drakes, Shamarh Brooks and Gudakesh Motie, have been named in the West Indies one-day international (ODI) and T20 squads to face Pakistan in three T20s and three ODIs from December 13 to 22.

The hard-hitting right-hander and speedy right-arm pacer will be embarking on his second tour to Pakistan with the senior West Indies team, following two T20s in 2018.

The ODI call-up will be the first for Smith who caught the eyes of the West Indies selectors following his pace and lower order hitting for the Guyana Amazon Warriors in this year's Caribbean Premier League.

"I had a good Super50 and CPL with both bat and ball, bowling fast and striking the ball well so consistency in both aspects of my game gave me a good opportunity to be named in both squads" Smith said.

The St Elizabeth native is relishing the opportunity to add to his two T20s and also make his debut for the one-day team.

"It is not my first international call-up but it feels that way. It's always a great feeling representing the region and your country. I'd like to get some wickets and make some runs, but also to use this opportunity to get better," said Smith.

With players like Andre Russell, Jason Holder and Obed McCoy unavailable for the tour, Smith is keen on putting in worthy performances to cement his place in the team for future tours.

"My performances will be key and if I can remain fit and keep my game consistent, I think I will be considered for future tours."

After losing the T20 series 1-0 in the Caribbean, Smith is hoping he can play a major part in the white-ball side and help the regional side rebound from their recent disappointing T20 World Cup campaign.

"I'm expecting the guys to give a good fight against a very good Pakistan side. However, I believe if I can use my all-around ability to affect the game in as many ways as I am able to and in the process help us to win the series, I will be satisfied," he said.