West Indies struggle against teenage Cricket Australia XI

West Indies will play their first Test against Australia in Hobart from December 10

Worries for West Indies continue as they haven’t been able to put up a good show against an inexperienced Cricket Australia XI in their tour match at Brisbane. CA XI ended day two of the four-day game with a score of 245-4 and a lead of two runs.

Apart from resting Jerome Taylor, the Caribbeans played with their full strength. Still the visitors could not resist CA XI as teenager Jake Carder scored 58, Nick Stevens played a knock of 46 runs, Josh Inglis scored 44 runs and captain James Peirson stayed not out with 42 runs against his name. CA XI’s Simon Milenko finished with bowling figures of 76-5. For Windies, their captain Jason Holder bowled the best as he bagged two wickets and conceded 41 runs.

However, West Indies coach Phil Simmons doesn’t seem much bothered about criticisms. He said, “That’s the thing with young teams, it is easy for people to do that and write off teams. I don’t think take any notice of it. It might encourage us to do better and push ourselves. It’s good when people do that. England did that at their peril.” Earlier this year, in his first stint as coach, the Caribbeans had leveled their series with England.

Have to back ourselves to win: Richardson

West Indies last won a Test and a series on Australian soil in 1997 and 1992/93 respectively. Former West Indian captain and current team manager, Richie Richardson believes the visiting team can prove their prowess against Aussies.

He said, “I really don’t see question marks and I hope the players aren’t thinking that way either because that is negative. We have to back ourselves and look to win. We have a young team we are moulding. Our players will be looking to establish themselves and gain as much experience as possible.”

The former cricketer also feels that this tour will be a learning experience for the West Indies. He said, “I really don’t see question marks and I hope the players aren’t thinking that way either because that is negative. We have to back ourselves and look to win. We have a young team we are moulding. Our players will be looking to establish themselves and gain as much experience as possible.”

Talking about how he played without underestimating anyone, the Caribbean great said, “When I played the game I never underestimated anyone. On any given day you can get the better of somebody, but you have to back yourselves. That’s how I played the game and that’s how I talk to the players. You have to believe you can conquer. If you do that you start to gain respect, you start to find yourself being on the same level as them and probably going past them.”