Estwick wants Windies improvement in all areas

Sep 23, 2016, Sports, http://www.kaieteurnewsonline....vement-in-all-areas/

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, CMC – Bowling coach, Roddy Estwick, says West Indies are still not pleased with their execution in all departments and will be working to improve these areas in the build up to today’s opening Twenty20 International against Pakistan.

The Windies easily beat an Emirates Cricket Board XI by 22 runs in their only tour game on Tuesday and Estwick said this outing had highlighted deficiencies which needed to be corrected.

”[The game] was a good work out for us because it was the first time we’ve been out in the middle since we’ve been here so we’re happy with that,” Estwick told reporters here.

”But there are areas to improve and we’re going to try and make sure that over the next few days we try and utilise all the facilities and get it absolutely right.”

One area of concern would have been the Windies’ batting. Over the first half of their innings, they struggled against the left-arm spin of Ahmed Raza and were meandering at 74 for four in the 11th over.

The Caribbean side were bailed out by the uncapped pair of Nicholas Pooran (47) and Rovman Powell (38) and eventually got up to 166 for seven. But despite their struggle against Raza, Estwick said the Windies would target all-round improvement in their preparation and not just slow bowling.

”We need to improve in all areas, not just in the spin area. We need to adjust mentally and tactically as well,” the Barbadian pointed out. “We felt we were 30 or 40 runs short. There are areas we have to try and work on, there are areas we have to improve. It’s just not focussing on the spin alone, we’ve got to focus on our all-round game and make sure we get it right.”

The left-handed Pooran extended his good showing from the Caribbean Premier League by lashing four fours and three sixes in an exhilarating 23-ball knock while Powell struck a four and three sixes in a 31-ball innings. Both players, on their maiden senior West Indies tour, earned plaudits from Estwick.

”I’ve seen [Pooran] play from the Under-19 level and I probably saw him make one of the best hundreds I’ve ever seen here in the UAE when he got 148 against Australia in a quarter-final game about three years ago so you know the talent he’s got,” Estwick explained.

”The conditions aren’t new to him because he has been out here [before] but we’re happy to see he has come in at the higher level and made that adjustment already.”

He continued: “[Powell is] a very exciting young player. I thought he played well. I thought he played the spin very well. But like I said, there are areas we can improve. “We’re not totally happy with the performance but it’s also a good start for him so once he keeps working hard — he’s a very hard working individual — I’m sure he’ll reap the rewards.”

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