KINGSTON, Jamaica (AFP) — West Indies team manager Richie Richardson and head coach Ottis Gibson have praised their side for their hard work after beating New Zealand 2-0 in the recent Test series.

The Windies wrapped up the two-match series against the Black Caps on Sunday with a second win, adding to their victories in the short-format Twenty20 competition and one-day international series.

The results have helped the Caribbean islands move up to fifth spot in the world T20 rankings while they are seventh in the equivalent ODI classification and Test table.

Former West Indies bowler Gibson said in a statement released by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) that the achievements were a result of their dedication and showed that the team was “on the right track” and gaining confidence.

“The players are working hard and deserve their success. I want to give them credit. They deserve to be excited about their achievements,” he added.

Former Test batsman and West Indies captain Richardson said he was also proud of Darren Sammy and his team for their performances in all three formats agains the tourists.

“The hard work, the dedication, the sacrifice and the desire to improve have paid dividends,” he said.

“These are some of the building blocks as we look to build a strong West Indies team. Lots of credit must also be given to Coach Gibson and the entire management staff, who are all contributing to the development of a strong West Indies Team.”

The 2-0 Test series win was the Windies’ first since beating Bangladesh 1-0 in Bangladesh last October. Their last home Test series win was in 2009, when they beat England 1-0 to clinch the Wisden Trophy.

The last time the West Indies won back-to-back Tests was in Bangladesh a decade ago under captain Ridley Jacobs, while the previous series win over the Kiwis was in 1996 with Courtney Walsh at the helm.