Fresh off representing the regional side in all three formats for the first time, West Indies fast bowler Jayden Seales is eager to build on his 2024 performances and establish himself as a mainstay in the team.

Reflecting on his 2024 outing, Seales, 23, expressed pride in his achievements, particularly his return to Test cricket after a lengthy layoff due to a knee injury. He believes his strong comeback proved that he was more than just a promising talent who burst onto the scene in 2021.

The Trinidad and Tobago stalwart showcased his skill on every assignment, particularly in the longest format, where he tallied 35 wickets in seven Tests at an average of 20.35. His standout performance came against South Africa in Guyana, where he claimed a career-best six for 61.

In ODIs, Seales had seven wickets in seven matches, including a match-winning four for 22 against Bangladesh in December. He also made his T20I debut against the same opposition but went wicketless in that series.

“I was really pleased with my performances this year because it was the first time I was playing Test cricket since the knee injury,” Seales said.

“To perform the way I did made me feel that I got better and stronger. I was also able to show that my performances are not just a fluke or a one-hit wonder. I was doing it consistently and helping the team in any way possible, so I was pleased with that,” he added.

The pacer is optimistic about his elevation to an all-format player and is already planning to maintain his fitness and workload to sustain this role, as he emphasized the importance of preparation.

“It is just more about managing my workload and getting my body stronger and fitter to do it. The possibility is there, so it is just to wrap my mind around it and get my body in a position to handle the workload,” Seales declared.

In fact, Seales noted that December had often been a time when injuries sidelined him in the past and, as such, celebrated ending the year injury-free as a significant milestone.

“I am happy with how my body held up this year because I had a thing for the past couple of years that as soon as December hits, I would get injured. I’m thankful I had no major injuries this year, and it’s just to keep building on it and improving my fitness every year,” he shared.

That said, Seales has his sights set on both short- and long-term objectives for the coming year. His first assignment in 2025 will be a two-match Test series in Pakistan.

The soft-spoken player is expected to lead the seam attack alongside his more experienced counterpart Kemar Roach, as Alzarri Joseph and rising sensation Shamar Joseph were not included in the squad.

“The medium-term goal is obviously to stay in all the teams and keep putting in good performances. Long-term, it is to keep getting better, keep my body fit, and keep helping the team in any way I can,” Seales ended.