April 6, 2012 On tour in the Windies

It’s been an up and down start to our tour of the West Indies, with a bit of inconsistency on our part and a spirited home team forcing both the one-day and twenty20 series’ to end in a draw. There were some exciting finishes and if nothing else it has given the crowds a good spectacle.

The West Indies crowd is like no other in the world, they really get into it and never stop dancing all day. Initially I thought it may have just been something in the drinks they were having but I’ve been reliably informed that when the stands are as packed as they’ve been, it's so hard to make it back from getting to the bar that most of the crowd just stay where they are and dance away. It certainly makes for a great atmosphere for all the players and I hope they keep coming back in the Tests.

West Indies is a great place to tour. It’s very relaxing with all the idyllic surroundings, but although its very much a holiday destination, its crucial to remember we’re here as professionals to play cricket. Having said that as professional as I try and be, I’ve still done a bit of snorkelling and fishing (it’s impossible to come here and not), which is actually a great way to forget about cricket and clear the mind. There’s a great array of very colourful sea life to explore and the water is just perfect!

This tour is also the first time my parents have flown over to watch, which is fantastic. It’s a great to see after all their hard work taking me out to games and helping at my local cricket club that they get an opportunity to go overseas and enjoy themselves. Mum just made it over, she gets a bit nervous flying, but my old man I’m sure will be chomping at the bit to get to the cricket and relax with a few rums! Hopefully the cameras keep away from him in the crowd.

But on a serious note with my parents here I want to have a big series in the Tests and contribute to some big totals for the team. The conditions are going to be pretty tricky and different to what we are used to, so I’m trying to face as many balls as I can and be prepared for whatever the Windies throw up. It’s a shame Sunil Narine won’t be there during the series. He was very tough to play on the slow pitches, but I found him a bit easier to pick as the series went on. It’s a shame for Windies cricket he won’t be there.

Also in case you were wondering, I didn't play in the tour match because my back needed a bit of a rest before the Test series. But I guarantee it will be all systems go in the Test series!

Also before I go, I just want to send my love and thoughts to the Fong family, we have lost a very good friend of ours that will be missed forever. 2036 (R.I.P) KITCHIE