Three games to get it right

THE WEST Indies wrapped up another T20 series on the losing end as the regional side surrendered the fifth and final game against India in Florida by 88 runs to lose the series 4-1.

It was another dismal batting display by the Nicholas Pooran-led side who were spun into a web by the Indian spinners, who picked up all 10 wickets for the first time in a men’s T20 International. The Windies could only manage to get 100 runs in 15.4 overs in pursuit of 189.

Recalled batsman Shimron Hetmyer looked the only player who could handle the turning ball as his 56 from 35 balls was the only bright spark in another hapless display with the bat.

The West Indies were just as drab with the ball as they allowed India to score freely in their total of 188 for seven, despite three wickets from Jamaican Odean Smith.

Following another disappointing performance, head coach Phil Simmons lamented the poor batting display shown by his charges.

“I think the major lesson from this series is that we gave away our wickets too cheaply. If we had continued to bat, we would have been up with the run rate, but we keep losing too many wickets, and that is what we have to learn from this series.”

Things are not expected to get much better for the men in Maroon as come this Wednesday, they face another tough opposition in fifth-ranked New Zealand at Sabina Park.

For Simmons, a lot of players are being assessed with the final make-up of his World Cup squad still in the back of his head.

“We have three more matches, and after that, we will sit down and make decisions as to who fits into how we want to play. The three matches will be important for a lot of players as well as some players who were rested,” added Simmons.

The West Indies made four changes for the dead rubber against India, resting Kyle Mayers, Brandon King, Akeal Hosein, and Alzarri Joseph and bringing in Shamarh Brooks, Keemo Paul, Odean Smith, and Hayden Walsh Jr.