West Indian vice captain Brendan Nash is looking forward to the second Test against Pakistan which starts on Friday at St. Kitts. The hosts have an unassailable 1-0 lead in the two match series after an impressive 40-run win in the first match at Providence in Guyana.
The West Indians had to battle extremely hard for their first Test win in more than two years. The wicket at Guyana was a tough grind for the batsmen and Nash himself failed to make much of an impact in both innings.
However, a highly spirited performance by the bowlers gave the hosts a much needed win in the longest format of the game. Nash, who scored a hundred in the second Test at St. Kitts against South Africa last year, feels that his team is ready for the challenge at the Warner Park.
The southpaw scored a fighting century against the Proteas last year; this time around he hopes that he would have a big impact too.
“There were quite a few runs scored in that match and it was good the way we responded. Coming back here again this year I will be looking for another big score for the team. I didn't get many in Guyana so I know I will be looking to make a greater contribution in this match,” said Nash while speaking to reporters.
The hosts had, at best, an average bowling attack for the Guyana test, however, the combination of skipper Darren Sammy, Ravi Rampaul and debutant spinner Devendra Bishoo pulled their weight through to take their team to a win. Sammy, who was under criticism from all quarters, took a 5-wicket haul to send the Pakistanis harbouring hopes of a maiden Test series win in the Caribbean packing.
Nash praised the efforts of the bowlers and thought that they were exceptional in trying circumstances.
The player added, "We did some really good things in Guyana and we will be looking to do well again here. The bowlers were exceptional. [Darren] Sammy led from the front and the others followed. Ravi [Rampaul] got some great wickets for us and [Devendra] Bishoo was also very good in his first match. I rate the performance of the team very high."
Meanwhile, the wicket for the second Test is expected to suit batsmen. The task would be cut out for Pakistan to force a win though, as the hosts are keen on playing a defensive game, knowing that a draw would earn them an important series win.
It remains to be seen if the Men in Green retain the unimpressive Umar Gul, who looked ordinary and unfit at Guyana.
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