Windies arrive in Queenstown in good spirits

The West Indies cricket team arrived in Queenstown, New Zealand yesterday, ahead of the start of their three-day warm-up game against a New Zealand ‘A’ side next week.

The Windies contingent was cleared to travel from Christchurch after all members of the touring party tested negative after a third and final COVID-19 test on Thursday.

The team had lost a maximum of four training days after the New Zealand health authorities barred the group from practising after a quarantine breach by some players earlier in the week.

Cricket West Indies Chief Executive Officer Johnny Grave and coach Phil Simmons apologised to the New Zealand Health Authorities and Cricket New Zealand for the breach. However, lead selector Roger Harper, who is also among the touring party, says the situation doesn’t seem to have dampened the spirits of the players ahead of the Twenty20 (T20) and Test series.

“I have been an observer at the training and practice sessions within the bubble I am assigned to, and I must say the sessions have been enthusiastic and purposeful,” he said.

With the rest of the West Indies players who participated in the Indian Premier League also joining in New Zealand, Harper believes a renewed focus is key as they get ready for what is expected to be a challenging couple of weeks ahead.

“I think the guys are keen and looking forward to the assignment ahead,” Harper said. “Like everything else, preparation is an important part, and things have been going well so far, barring the little hiccup.”

Harper said that some of the players, including Jamaicans Rovman Powell, Brandon King, Fabian Allen and Oshane Thomas, who were specifically selected for the T20 squad, will get an opportunity to showcase their talent in the three-day and four-day games which start on November 20 at the John Davies Oval in Queenstown.

He said that he is hoping that the distractions act as a motivating factor for the team as it gets ready to square off with the number-two ranked Test side New Zealand.

“I think, like everything else, it is an opportunity for us to learn when we deviate from plans, how it affects the team and the body as a whole,” he said. “I think that will help to sharpen us and make us more focused going ahead”.

Cole McConchie has been named captain of a strong New Zealand ‘A’ team for the warm-up games which will also feature Test batsman Henry Nicholls.