By Clifton Ross

On the eve of the final ODI, West Indies Assistant Coach Roddy Estwick is urging the guys to get their act together quickly as they seek to salvage the series following back-to-back drubbings by Bangladesh. Estwick spoke virtually on Sunday, the eve of the final match as he explained that the team had been in high spirits looking ahead to the final 50 over game and the upcoming Test series.

“The team is in good spirits, the Test boys are supporting the 50-over boys because we are all in the bubble together. We had a practice session this afternoon and it looked like a better pitch than the one in Dhaka. We are expecting bigger scores, and better batting conditions. It is up to the players to believe in themselves. They are representing the West Indies, and you have to be proud of playing for your country.” said Estwick.

West Indies ODI captain Jason Mohammed following the first loss, made specific mention of the tough conditions and equally tough batting pitch, something Estwick echoed but said they were keen on overcoming going forward.

“When you look at the pitch in the last ODI, it was so dry. It was very difficult to win the toss and bowl, it would have been even more difficult to score in the second innings. We have to be honest that we didn’t bat well, we didn’t get partnerships and never got into any kind of rhythm and kept losing wickets in clusters”.

With the West Indies looking to avoid a 3-nil hammering, the assistant coach further explained that it was important to get a win and end the series on a high as they prepare for the equally important Test series.

“Any little advantage we get in the next game is going to be so vital. Someone standing up and getting a big hundred or a 5-wicket haul just to give us some kind of momentum and confidence. Once you are not winning, the confidence gets low. We are working very hard to lift the confidence in the players. We are having discussions and honest practice sessions”. Said Estwick

In closing, Estwick defended his young team despite them showing more fight on previous tours late last year. He however added that it was the big leagues and players will need to learn quickly and improve as they seek to forge a solid international career.

“The players are trying but for a lot of the players, 50-overs is new to them, and the conditions in Bangladesh are even more foreign to them. But you can’t hide behind that; you are an international cricketer and you have to find ways to improve your game and team’s overall performance”. Estwick ended.