Happy to be in India because everyone loves cricket here: USA vice-captain Aaron Jones

Aaron Jones, the vice-captain of the USA cricket team, is in Anand currently “for training and watching a few local matches.” He tells us, “Since Monank Patel (current skipper of USA) hails from Anand, he has ensured that both of us have access to good training facilities here during our stay. We have a couple of important series coming up and India is an excellent place to train. Although it is quite hot in Gujarat right now, I am enjoying this experience.” Excerpts from a chat:

‘This is my first visit to Gujarat’

Although I have been to India once before, this is my first visit to Gujarat. I love coming here because every person that you meet just loves cricket. The passion that people have here for cricket reminds me of Barbados (he grew up there). Also, the standard of cricket in India is very high. I am also quite fond of Indian food. On this trip, I am avoiding having too much meat, but I love Indian mutton curry. I also love garlic naan and chhole.

‘I was overjoyed when Team USA got the ODI status’

While I was born in the USA, I grew up in Barbados (West Indies). My parents had moved to the USA when I was three years old but later, they moved back to the West Indies. However, I decided to pursue cricket professionally in the USA. Growing up in Barbados, a cricket hub, it was natural to be interested in cricket. I have played other sports like soccer too, but eventually I fell in love with cricket. I was a huge fan of Brian Lara and Michael Clarke while growing up. When I started playing in the USA, the facilities weren’t great but now, things are much better. Also, a lot of local tournaments are being played now and when players get to play more matches, it’s always a great sign for the future. I was overjoyed when Team USA got the full ODI (one-day international) status and what made it even more special was that I scored a century in that match (after which they got the status). It was the most competitive and high-pressure match that I have been a part of till now. I feel that pressure situations bring out the best in me.

‘Being the vice-captain of USA is a huge honour’

I felt really honoured when I was made the vice-captain of the USA team and while additional responsibilities can burden some players, I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of being a part of the team’s leadership group. It helps my game too and I think I have become a better player thanks to the additional pressure. As co-hosts, we have already qualified for the 2024 T20 World Cup, but we dream of qualifying for this year’s tournament too. If we play our best cricket, it is certainly possible, and I believe in our team.

‘It was frustrating to miss out on an important series when I tested positive for COVID-19’

Last year, I had to miss out on an important series against Ireland as I tested positive for COVID-19 and it was a frustrating phase. The pandemic was a tough phase, but I tried to stay positive and spent some quality time with my family in Barbados. I would keep telling myself that there were other people who were facing much tougher battles due to the prevailing situation and I felt grateful to be with my loved ones. Since there were strict restrictions in place in Barbados, I couldn’t train but worked on my fitness at home. I would also talk to my teammates regularly over video calls.