Providence (Guyana) : West Indies skipper Jason Holder has cited his batsmen’s bad shot selection as the reason behind their six-wicket defeat against Australia in their second match of the Caribbean tri-series.
“If you went through the dismissals, there were quite a few soft dismissals. The Australians challenged us in terms of building pressure, but I don’t think they got us out with any spectacular balls. We just played some horrible shots out there at a crucial stage of the game which cost us our wickets,” Holder was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
Put in to bat first, West Indies batsmen posted their lowest ever ODI score at home against Australia as they struggled on a spin-friendly pitch and were bundled out for 116 in just 32.3 overs, thanks to spin duo Nathan Lyon and Adam Zampa, who grabbed three wickets apiece.
In reply, Australia cantered home in 25.4 overs as David Warner continued his red-hot form from the Indian Premier League, smashing three fours and one six in his match-winning innings here at the Providence Stadium in Guyana.
The skipper pointed out that his side had failed to build any partnership on the board which led to their defeat. He, however, added that off-spinner Sunil Narine did provide them with some support in the end by bagging two back-to-back wickets of skipper Steve Smith and all-rounder Glenn Maxwell.
While expressing satisfaction over his bowlers’ performance in the first two games, Holder has called on his batting department especially openers to work on building partnerships.
“But the most important thing for us is to get some partnerships going up front and let the momentum flow through the mid-innings,” he added.
The third match of the triangular series will be played between Australia and South Africa at the same venue on Tuesday. (ANI)