CWI Newsletter EXCLUSIVE!
Andre McCarthy Interview

Q: How would you describe Andre McCarthy as a cricketer?

A: A fighter. I never give up and I always give the best account of myself when I go out there.

Q: What about as a person?

A: I am very jovial. I love to enjoy myself.

Q: Which players on the current tour (of Bangladesh) do you get along with the best?

A: Rovman Powell and Jason Mohammed

Q: Why so?

A: Myself and Jason have been together since (West Indies) Under 15’s. We also played for the West Indies Under 19’s together and came straight up to the senior team. We have had a good chemistry since we were youths. Rovman, I’ve known him for a while and we have a natural genuine vibe.

Q: What keeps you motivated to keep playing the sport at such a high level?

A: Simply put, it is the love that I have for the game that keeps me going. Also, it has become a way for me to make my family proud; something that is very important to me.

Q: Are there any specific members of your family that continue to give you that push?

A: Two of my brothers. They always want to speak to me about the sport, even though they aren’t very familiar with the more technical aspects. I have a few good friends who also do the same.

Q: You would have experienced something similar in the CPL, but how has the ‘bubble life’ been here in Bangladesh so far?

A: Bubble life is very smooth for me, to be honest. The first three days were tough, where you had to stay in your room, but after that, everything is comfortable. You must remember to follow the protocol and don’t go outside the hotel, but it has been good to me.

Q: What does West Indies Cricket mean to you?

A: A LOT! Growing up, all I wanted to do was play for the West Indies. It is the perfect opportunity to do what I love, while representing the beautiful people of our region.

Q: What former West Indies players do you look up to?

A: Throughout my life, I have looked up to many players. If I were to start calling names, I’m not sure that I would ever stop (laughs).

Q: Any of the current crop of West Indies players that you would say motivate you?

A: All of my teammates motivate me, but if you mean outside of the squad, I would definitely look at someone like Chris Gayle, who is still putting in performances at 41. That is the type of fighting spirit that I want to have.

Q: Any international players that you look up to?

A: In sports generally, I tend to look up to athletes with a good fighting spirt and who show calmness while performing their discipline. There are definitely a few that I look up to.

Q: How much would it mean to you, to make your ODI debut for the #MenInMaroon?

A: It would mean everything to me. It’s something that I have always dreamed about and something I have always wanted to do, so I just hope it becomes a reality and I can just go out there and make myself proud.

Q: What do you want to say to the #MaroonFans, who will be rallying back at home?

A: Just please believe is us! All of us here are very good players, we have the ability to go out there and compete. Keep supporting us!