West Indies skipper Roston Chase is confident that a series win over Sri Lanka could set forth a new leaf in Caribbean cricket as his side entered the second and final Test with plenty of swagger. The hosts, who all conveyed a sheer display in the 1st test match, are only a win away from claiming a commanding Test series victory and some vital ICC World Test Championship points.
Chase was speaking ahead of the second Test and stressed for his team it is about building consistency rather than just being happy with one performance. The skipper believes they now have a dressing room more confident of their ability, with players eager to show that back-to-back trips to the finish.
The West Indies go into the match on the back of a confident showing in their 1st Test, where they bowled tightly and batted steadily. That’s why Chase was keen to praise the efforts of the team as a unit, crediting both senior players and youngsters alike for producing a well-rounded team which is capable of competing at the highest level.
The captain also again stressed the squad is not looking only at this series. He is confident continued displays of quality throughout the World Test Championship, will help rehabilitate West Indies’ standing in the longest format. The first group is now united in trying to play an attractive brand of cricket and also established a winning mentality along the years, Chase said.
New Zealand let West Indies some positive news with a health update on their wicketkeeper-batter, Shai Hope having been ruled out of the second Test after being in doubt. The team management will still have a selection dilemma ahead of the match with fast bowler Kemar Roach limited by a shoulder problem but continuing to be the most experienced member of the squad.
Sri Lanka meanwhile, would be looking to rise from a poor showing in the series opener. But the visitors will have to switch to a more pragmatic style as they seek to level the two-match series and spoil a historic success for their hosts.
The second Test involves more than just another game for the West Indies. Reinforcing Chase’s belief of the progress, a series win would bolster their World Test Championship standing as well. The Caribbean side can lean on the intensity displayed in the first Test to take another giant leap towards restoring its place as valid contenders among global powers of Test cricket.