New Delhi:
Jason Holder, the West Indies skipper, has said West Indies can take plenty of positives from the Vizag ODI but rued the sloppy fielding effort that saw them concede a total of 300+ for the second consecutive time in the series.
“Unfortunately we didn't win the game, but there are a lot of positives. Proud of the way the guys played and there are a couple of areas that we could improve. Sloppy fielding is something that we need to really improve on. Obviously we could have picked a few more wickets in the middle overs,” Holder said in the post-match presentation.
Virat Kohli, who broke plenty of records in his knock of 157*, was dropped on 44 by Holder off the bowling of debutant Obed McCoy. Ambati Rayudu, who sparkled with an aggressive 73, was dropped twice and this gave India plenty of momentum as they reached 321/6.
Hetmyer, Hope magnificent
West Indies were boosted by a 143-run stand for the fourth wicket between Shimron Hetmyer and Shai Hope. Although the 19-year-old was dismissed for 94, Hope hung in and smashed 123* as the game ended in a tie. Holder praised the efforts of the two players.
“Shai Hope is a young talent and he played a magnificent knock. Unfortunately we didn't get over the line, but still a lot of positives from this game. Also Shimron Hetmyer showed his consistency again. My run-out and obviously Hetty was upset that he got out in a crucial stage when we had a very good chance. I said it at the start that we want one of our top four to stay there till the end, and it was very good to see Shai bat till the end,” Holder remarked.
Lost wickets at crucial times
Although the game ended in a tie, Hope, who smashed a second century and scored a crucial boundary off the last ball to tie the game, was gutted that the West Indies did not get over the line.
“Disappointed we didn't get the win, fought really hard throughout the game. We lost wickets at crucial stages, especially Jason. Needed to have wickets in hand and have someone finish the game,” Hope said.
