No sympathy
West Indies to stay professional against wounded Ireland
Published:Thursday | January 13, 2022 | 12:09 AMLennox Aldred/Gleaner Writer
THE WEST Indies and Ireland are set to try once again to get some cricket under their belt after the second One-Day International in the CG Insurance series at Sabina Park in Kingston was rescheduled from Tuesday until today, following five COVID-positive cases in the visitors’ camp.
The West Indies can seal the series with a win today, following their opening match victory on Saturday.
With their full complement of players to choose from, the regional side is putting in the work, as they look to iron out some of the kinks which crept into the team’s game during the first ODI.
For assistant coach Roddy Estwick, the task is simple, and that is to remain professional, despite all the off-the-field issues.
“COVID has been with us now for nearly two years and there are going to be disruptions. We had disruptions in Pakistan and even before, but it’s all about staying professional and making sure that when we are ready to play our preparations are spot on,” said Estwick.
LOOKING AT OPPORTUNITIES
It is still to be determined if the West Indies will make any changes for the game; however, the team is looking to maximise every opportunity, especially with the bat.
“We are looking at trying to get up to 320 runs, but if the pitch is not conducive to that score, there is no point in trying to get 320 and then getting bowled out for 150. It’s all about sharing information with the batters who are in to send back information to the dressing room, and from a tactical standpoint, those off the field to send information out, so everybody is clear on what we are looking to achieve.”
Meanwhile, the Ireland team will be without regular captain Andy Balbirnie, who is one of the COVID casualties.
They will certainly miss his bat, as he top-scored for the visitors in the last match. However, they will welcome back Paul Stirling, who recently caught COVID on the tour of the United States, and will return to lead the side in Balbirnie’s absence.
The Irish team will also be without four regular starters but could welcome back Andy McBrine and Mark Adair from injury.
For Stirling, the aim is to put the distractions behind them and fulfil their obligations.
“There is absolutely no doubt that we are here to pick up 20 points. Our focus is there and we will do everything we can and try and put everything behind us and be ready to play.”