‘We’ll play to win’

Head coach Phil Simmons made it clear that the West Indies will be playing what he describes as “fearless cricket” and going all out for a win as they square-off with Sri Lanka in the second Test, which bowls off today in Antigua starting at 9 a.m. Jamaica time.

Simmons and his troops had to put together another resolute final-day batting performance to save the first Test on Thursday,after the visitors made a strong reply of their own with the bat in their second time at the crease.

With the series still squared at zero, Simmons is hoping that his side can improve in all areas and redefine that winning formula as they did in Bangladesh earlier this year.

Those areas of improvements include putting over 400 runs on the board, bowling with more consistency, and grabbing their chances in the field if they are to deny Sri Lanka their maiden series win in the Caribbean.

“I think when you play not to lose, invariably, you are going to make mistakes because you are going to be tentative in your approach at some point,” Simmons said. “For me and this team, we are not going out there playing not to lose, but we are going to play to win and then we put ourselves in a position where we can win, or we can save the game.”

Both teams have had a good look at each other in the first Test, and the video analysis will be put to use to expose any loopholes that can be used as an advantage in this final Test.

For the home side, the form of openers John Campbell and captain Kraigg Brathwaite could be cause for concern, with the pair registering partnerships of 13 and 12 in the two innings so far.

For Brathwaite, his scores of 3 and 23 is not a major problem, and he is relishing the opportunity to continue both his roles as captain and opening batsman.

ROLE AS A BATSMAN

“I am not concerned at all,” he said. “I thought in the second innings I spent over two hours at the crease, which is what we wanted as a batting unit, and I always enjoy leading, and I know my role as a batsman and as captain.”

The West Indies will be banking on the continued form of Nkrumah Bonner, who scored his maiden Test century in the opening encounter with Kyle Mayers, who has continued to show he has the pedigree to perform at the top level.

Jamaican batsman Jermaine Blackwood and fast bowlers Alzarri Joseph and Shannon Gabriel did not have a good opening match, with Blackwood scoring just two and four runs in two innings, and Joseph and Gabriel picking up just one wicket between them.

When asked specifically about the form of strike bowler Gabriel, Simmons said players should get an extended run and not be judged after one bad performance.

“He had a bad game, and bowlers have that,” Simmons said. “Two of the main bowlers didn’t have a good game, so that’s one game. I think he has been unsung in New Zealand and Bangladesh, and one game doesn’t change him being our strike bowler.”

The Sri Lankans are expected to keep faith with the same team that fought back so well in the first game, with Lahiru Thirimanne, Pathum Nissanka, and Niroshan Dickwella expected to factor with the bat once again, and Suranga Lakmal, who bowled out of his skin in a lion-hearted effort across both innings, is expected to lead with the ball.

sports@gleanerjm.com