Williams confident but cautious ahead of Perth Test
PERTH, Australia (CMC) — Despite their impressive showing in Adelaide last week, West Indies are taking nothing for granted as they prepare for the third and final Test of the series in Perth starting next Wednesday.
West Indies pushed Australia all the way in the second Test before settling for a draw late on the final day but coach David Williams said his side would take a measured approach at the WACA as they chased victory in an attempt to draw the series.
“We are now in the build-up to the final match and we will be taking it day by day,” said Williams.
“We are not getting ahead of ourselves. We still remember that we are 1-0 down so we have to win here in Perth to level the series. We don’t play names, we play the cricket ball and that’s what really matters.”
West Indies boast a sound record at Perth, having won three of their last four matches at the ground.
And with the pitch expected to favour faster bowlers, Williams said his pace attack lead by the impressive Kemar Roach would be looking to exploit the conditions.
“If there is pace, bounce and sideways movement we will look to extract it. We have a good fast bowling and seam bowling attack and we will be looking to maximise anything that we can get out of the pitch,” Williams explained.
“Our bowlers have to work hard on some flat pitches in the West Indies, so getting some help on the pitches out here is great for them.”
Williams, a former West Indies wicketkeeper who was part of the last Caribbean side to win a series Down Under in 1993, said the Adelaide Test had lifted the spirits of the squad, following the heavy innings defeat in Brisbane.
“The feeling in the camp is very, very good at the moment and we were thrilled with the fightback in Adelaide,” he noted.
“It was not just that we drew the game but the fact that we dominated the game and put a lot of pressure on the Australians.
“After we lost the match in Brisbane we had a long meeting and a tough talk. Every man gave his commitment and you saw the result in Adelaide.”
The Perth Test starts Tuesday at 10: 30 pm Eastern Caribbean Time.
