Sunil Narine to return to international cricket after 14 months

Sunil Narine turning out for West Indies in 2014

The West Indies cricket team have had a string of extremely disappointing results after the 2015 World Cup, but are set to receive a big shot in the arm with the return of Sunil Narine to international cricket after a hiatus of 14 months. Calling him the ‘best bowler in the world’, captain Jason Holder has said that Narine’s return could turn them into a winning unit, reports ESPN Cricinfo.

Narine has been out of action for the last 14 months after his bowling action was reported as suspicious during CPL 2014, and later in IPL 2015. Narine had successfully gone a remodelling of his action prior to the 2015 World Cup amidst doubts whether he would be allowed to play, but pulled out at the last moment citing that he needed more time to get used to his new action.

Holder said he was "very, very happy" at Narine's return, as it would elevate his attack's penetration during the middle overs. His side will take on Sri Lanka for the 1st ODI of the 3-match series on Sunday in Colombo.

The young captain said, “We have the best bowler in the world in Sunil Narine. Hopefully we can get those wickets at the end and have Narine at the forefront, leading the attack.

“In the past we've let the game - in a sense - drift from us. We have Sunil Narine now, which makes me more comfortable. He's a wicket-taking option whenever he comes into bowl. Hopefully he can take some wickets in the middle and maybe his pressure could create other wickets around for the guys he's bowling in partnership with.

West Indies had regularly taken wickets with the new ball during the 2015 World Cup, but had then allowed batsmen to flourish after the 20th over – something Narine’s captain is hoping his presence can change.

More recently, they collapsed to a Test series loss to Sri Lanka. Fourteen months after the controversy broke, Narine is now ready to return with his new action – to find his national team in deep peril. Since the World Cup, West Indies have won 1 Test, drawn one, and lost 5.

Can Narine conjure up some more mystery to turn tables around in Sri Lanka?

Sunil Narine enjoying his return to West Indies colours - with bat, with ball and catching glove #SLvWI #RALLY pic.twitter.com/5p295deC8V

— westindies (@westindies) October 28, 2015