Barker: I’d be happy to play for Windies

KEITH Barker has refused to close the door on playing for the West Indies – should the home of calypso cricket come calling.

Barker has spent eight successful years at Edgbaston playing for Warwickshire, but the allrounder is eligible to pull on either an England or a West Indies shirt.

His father, Keith Barker Snr, played first-class cricket for his native Guyana and, though, at the age of 29, the Three Lions may look out of reach, the godson of Clive Lloyd is leaving all doors ajar.

Barker, who played NonLeague football before taking up cricket, said:“I’ve been asked it a lot over the years: would I play for England or the West Indies? But no one has approached me about it.

“I’d be open to it (playing for the West Indies) obviously. But it would be a possible lifestyle change. I’d probably have to up and move.

“I couldn’t just walk straight into the squad.You have to play so many games – and I’d have to perform in them, too.”

Barker has taken 257 wickets in 70 County Championship games since 2012, with the all-rounder being a mainstay in the Warwickshire line-up.

But he knows that doesn’t automatically mean international recognition will be coming his way.

Barker added:“I’ve no issue with not being selected by England. They might see me only as being a good county player and that’s fine as I never even thought I’d do that in the first place.

“I’m proud to have achieved what I have. I don’t want to look back thinking I could have done more.

“If I was to be given some sort of recognition internationally, it would have most likely happened by now. But if that means I finish without ever playing at international level, I’d still be happy.” The experience and ability of Barker could be just what the West Indies Test team needs.We all know that the Windies’ recent focus has been on the shorter formats of the game, but Barker’s reliability and figures speak for themselves. He deserves a shot at international cricket, too