Shai Hope aims to improve numbers in Test cricket
On his previous tour of England in 2017, Hope created history by making twin tons at Headingley in a famous win for West Indies. But his Test game hasn't quite taken off from there. He is yet to add to those two centuries and his average is a modest 27.23.
In contrast he has continued to flourish in ODI cricket, averaging 52.20 in the format. In 2019 alone, he scored 1,345 runs format at an average of 61.13. He knows he has the ability to achieve those kinds of numbers in Test cricket as well and believes all he needs to get there are "minor tweaks" and some work on the "mental side" of his game.
"Red-ball batting is definitely my favourite part of the game but the runs and the stats aren't exactly where we want them to be, but I'm working towards that," said Hope. "I can't pinpoint anything [wrong] at this stage, because I wouldn't say my preparation has changed. I don't think it's anything major when it comes to my technical side of the game. There are certain things you can tweak, as you go along. I would probably say it's more of a mental thing. Hopefully, I can turn it around and move on from there.
"Obviously you're going to be hard on yourself, especially when you know you can get something done but it's not really portraying on the stats. Just [need to] have the continued belief in myself, back my ability because I know I can get it done, it's not like I haven't done it before. Case of making sure I make the most of these opportunities and do whatever I can to make the team win."
Whether or not Hope is able to make those adjustments in the upcoming Tests, the first of which starts on 8 July, will perhaps go a long way in determining West Indies' chances as they look to defend the Wisden Trophy against England.