GEORGETOWN: West Indies head coach Stuart Law says the regional side will have to raise their game and play “smarter” cricket if they are to get the better of Pakistan in the three-match one-day series starting here Friday.
The hosts are coming off an emphatic 3-1 loss to Pakistan in the preceding four-match Twenty20 International series and find themselves under pressure ahead of the one-day rubber. Law said it was important that West Indies did not attempt to simply use “brute force” in the upcoming rubber, especially bearing in mind the venue.
“Form is one thing but determination and the way these boys go about their cricket, we understand now it’s not going to be easy,” the Australian said. Pakistan are a quality unit so we’re going to have to train hard, put our thinking caps on and play smarter rather than use brute force.
“The conditions here may suit not suit the brute force style of play but once we have a look at the centre wicket, we can then go about accordingly — training accordingly, working out strategies and going forward that way.” West Indies have made two changes to the 13-man squad that suffered a 3-0 whitewash to England last month, bringing in Chadwick Walton and Miguel Cummins for Carlos Brathwaite and Kraigg Brathwaite.
Carlos Brathwaite, the hero of last year’s T20 World Cup in India, was dropped for poor form while opener Kraigg Brathwaite was replaced because of his inability to score quickly at the top of the order. Law said he expected the new additions to the squad to display their skills throughout the series.
“Miguel’s been part of our squad since I’ve been here. I like what he offers. He’s a good death bowling option and he’s got a bit of extra zip as well so it’s a great backup for guys like Shannon Gabriel and Alzarri Joseph,” he explained. “Chadwick Walton I saw him for the first time in the flesh during the T20 series. He had an outstanding 50-overs tournament (Regional Super50).
“He scored a hundred against England in a warm-up match in St Kitts as well so he comes in with form under his belt, runs that he has scored. I’m looking forward to seeing what he can provide in the top order.
West Indies clash with Pakistan in the second ODI on Sunday, with the third game set for next Tuesday, both at the Guyana National Stadium.
