Fresh from their massive victory in the opening Test by an innings and 217 runs, West Indies are eyeing a series sweep ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka, which gets underway at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium in Antigua on Friday.
Speaking ahead of the opening day, West Indies captain Roston Chase remained positive and said they hope to secure back to back test match wins.
“Going into the second test 1-0 up, the only thing we are looking for is another win to seal the deal and get our first Test series win in the ICC Test championship.
“I think that’s what’s driving the guys right now, so I know the guys will be confident and excited to go out there and give the best performance for
the team . . . . And the Sri Lankans, I can’t really tell you what they’re going to change. I’m not really worried about them. We’re going to focus on our strengths and what we did well in the (opening) game and what we
didn’t do so well that we can improve on. So I am just worried about what we’re going to do,” he said.
The captain is also motivated by West Indies’ excellent record in the Caribbean against Sri Lanka. West Indies have never lost a Test series at home against the visitors, but have not beaten them in a Test series since 2003.
“It would mean a lot. As I said before, it’s going to be the first Test series win. So it’s going to feel good because last year we didn’t win any series, we didn’t win any games. I think last year was a year that we want to put behind us. To start this year in the first series that we have, to get the win would be fantastic,” Chase added.
Kemo Paul has been added to squad as cover for Kemar Roach, who is recovering from a hamstring injury. Chase is confident Paul will excel if called upon.
“He had a good four-day championship this year. He bowled some marathon spells and moved the ball at pace. So, I mean, if he gets a chance, I’ll be excited to see him go.
“He’s a guy that I’ve played cricket with before and he’s a strong soldier.
He’s a fighter and a guy that never gives up in the battle even in the hardest of times. He would put up his hand and do it for the team. So if he gets the chance, I have all confidence in him that he will do the job,” Chase said.
Sri Lanka won the rain-affected three-match One Day International series 1-0, while West Indies clinched a 2-1 T20 series win.
(KH)
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