CUTTACK, India (CMC) – Speedster Kemar Roach, whose early burst put West Indies on course for a win in the opening One-Day International on Tuesday, has lamented the poor showing by the team’s batsmen. West Indies laboured to 211 for nine after being sent in and though Roach’s three-wicket burst gave them the ascendancy, the total proved difficult to defend and India got home by a wicket with seven balls to spare.
“The aspect of not putting enough runs on the board did not help us. But we also fought very hard. It’s just that last hurdle we could not cross,” said Roach, who took the first three wickets of the innings.
“We would have been in a comfort zone by putting a few more runs when it comes to bowling.”
India were on the ropes at 59 for five in the 12th over before Rohit Sharma (72) and Ravindra Jadeja (38) put on 83 for the sixth wicket to stabilise the innings.
And though the game came down to the penultimate over, the World champions held their nerve to sneak the win and take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
“It was a big game. Playing against India in India is really tough. They are the world champions. To give them a good fight on their home ground is a good effort for us. We are a young side and are gelling well,” Roach said.
“We are not blaming anyone (for the loss). We will go back to the dressing room and hope to come back fresh in the next game. You got to adapt to situations as quickly as possible.”