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The third Test will be a final – Estwick

Published:Thursday | July 23, 2020 | 12:27 AMLennox Aldred/Gleaner Writer
West Indies pacer Kemar Roach (centre) celebrates with teammates after the dismissal of England’s Jos Buttler during the fourth day of the second cricket Test match between England and West Indies at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, Sunday, July 19,
AP
West Indies pacer Kemar Roach (centre) celebrates with teammates after the dismissal of England’s Jos Buttler during the fourth day of the second cricket Test match between England and West Indies at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, Sunday, July 19, 2020. (AP Photo/Jon Super, Pool)

West Indies’ assistant coach Roddy Estwick could not put the scenario of the third and final Test between the West Indies and hosts England any simpler.

“It will be a final,” Estwick told reporters during the virtual press conference yesterday, as both teams go into tomorrow’s encounter eager for victory, with the three-match series locked at one apiece.

Following their four-wicket win in the first Test in Southampton, the West Indies were outplayed by England in the second Test at Old Trafford, which intensifies the significance of the final match, with the visitors looking to claim a rare series win in England for over 30-odd years.

IMPROVE FORM

For this to happen, Estwick says the team will have to improve their form going into the decider, and hopefully, the regional side can outplay their opponents over the five days to come out on top and retain the Wisden trophy.

“We constantly remind them that we have a chance to change something that has not happened for 32 years, we have to be up for it because England is going to be up for it. When you look at this game, it’s a final for both teams. Whoever puts in a big performance will win the game,” said Estwick.

The Bajan, who has specific responsibility on the coaching staff with the bowlers, says he is hoping his charges can come up with another good outing with the ball, as they have done throughout the series, despite the tremendous workload of playing three Test matches on the trot.

“The thing about our seam department is that they’re very experienced. We’ll trust them. We’ll sit down with them and we’ll have a discussion. They must have been pulling up quite well because Shannon was ready to go into the nets and have a bowl. The rain curtailed that but I think they’ll be fine,” Estwick noted.

“We’ll try to get them to stay off their feet and to get adequate rest and the treatment that they need because come Friday, there’s no second-guessing. We’ve got to be ready, and we can’t have any excuses,” he added.