Tue, Feb 9, '21
Former West Indies fast bowler, Ian Bishop, has described the Kraigg Brathwaite-led West Indies Test squad as “heroes” for their decision to tour Bangladesh, especially after several first-choice players backed out because of COVID-19 fears.
Speaking during commentary in the first session on the final day of the opening Test here, the well-respected international television cricket analyst said regardless of the outcome of the series, the highest credit needed to be afforded the players for their courage.
Brathwaite is leading an under-strength side in the two-Test series here after the decision by several senior players to decline selection over concerns about the local COVID-19 situation.
“I am saying this without any fear, whatever happens to these young guys on this tour, however, they lose, I won’t criticize them at all. There’s no criticism for them from me,” Bishop said before West Indies went on to pull off the fifth-highest successful run chase in Test history by overhauling 395 to win by three wickets on Sunday.
Read more at the Jamaica Gleaner
Tue, Feb 9, '21
Head coach Phil Simmons has pointed to a culture change taking place in the West Indies Test set-up, which is being driven by the arrival of new players with improved attitudes and the character necessary to excel in the international arena.
Speaking moments after West Indies completed the fifth-highest run chase in history to stun Bangladesh by three wickets in the opening Test, Simmons praised the side’s inexperienced players for the commitment shown in recent Tests.
Kyle Mayers struck an unbeaten 210, and fellow debutant Nkrumah Bonner stroked 86, his maiden Test half-century, as the pair put on 216 for the fourth wicket to spearhead the successful chase of 395 at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.
“The guys went about it in a way that even I, during the day, couldn’t believe these were guys making their debut,” Simmons said.
“And I must say, there are a lot of changes happening. We had two guys (Chemar Holder and Joshua Da Silva) who made their debuts in the last Test we played [against New Zealand] and showed the attitudes we want in this team, and then we have three guys here now making their debut and showing the attitude we want.
Read more at the Jamaica Gleaner
Tue, Feb 9, '21
Chittagong, Bangladesh (AFP) — Kyle Mayers is determined not to become a one-hit-wonder after a double century on his Test debut guided West Indies to an improbable Test win over Bangladesh.
Playing his first Test for West Indies at the age of 28, Mayers became only the sixth cricketer to hit a double hundred in his premiere innings.
His unbeaten 210, with 20 fours and seven sixes, was crucial in the three-wicket win after West Indies reached 395-7 with just nine balls left on Sunday's final day.
Mayers said he was still a cricket “student” learning the tricks.
Selected because eight established stars refused to join the tour over novel coronavirus fears, Mayers said he would “take the positives” from his starring role.
“I will try to learn as much from this innings and take it to the next game where I start from zero,” he said.
“I don't want to be a one-hit-wonder. I want to be successful and consistent for the duration of my career.”
Read more at the Jamaica Observer
