Second ODI: Windies look to bounce back

A new day, a new opportunity. That’s the defiant message from West Indies head coach Daren Sammy, as his side prepares to lock horns with Sri Lanka in the second One-Day International (ODI) at Sabina Park on Saturday.

A much later start of 2:30 p.m. this time around may just change things a bit for both sides. However, the visitors are riding high after a historic 41-run victory in Wednesday’s series opener.

That win was Sri Lanka’s first ever at Sabina Park against the West Indies and their first ODI victory over the Men in Maroon in the Caribbean since 2013.

Speaking after a spirited practice session at the match venue yesterday, Sammy refused to dwell on the defeat, instead focusing on the glimpses of promise his side displayed.

“A new day, a new opportunity,” Sammy said. “As a coaching staff, we were really happy with what we saw coming out of the camp. Some of the things we did in the game, we controlled both power plays,” he analysed.

“After the first 10 overs in each phase, batting and bowling, we were on top. It’s about keeping that momentum, winning more moments in the game, to result in a victory for us.”

The primary concern from Wednesday’s loss was clear for Sammy. The St. Lucian lamented his side's handling of Sri Lanka’s spinners, where the visitors' slow bowlers conceded just 68 runs from 20 overs, squeezing the life out of the West Indies’ chase.

“We definitely have to play their spin much better,” Sammy admitted. That’s something we’ve got to be better at, and we’ve spoken about it, and it’s about getting the confidence to implement the skills they’ve been working on.”

Despite the defeat, Sammy was quick to highlight several individual performances that offered hope

New opening pair John Campbell and Justin Greaves showed controlled aggression, while captain Shai Hope, who will be playing his 150th ODI, continued to lead from the front with the bat.

Sammy also singled out the new-ball duo of Matthew Forde and Jayden Seales, who asked difficult questions of the Sri Lankan batters.

“I thought those guys really put in a good shift, and it could have been a different ball game, had we taken the opportunity with the first ball of the day,” he said.

He reserved special praise for the ever-reliable Roston Chase, who claimed two wickets and scored 33 valuable runs.

“When the captain needed him to put his hands up, when the game seemed to be running away from us, that spell he bowled, 10 overs on the bounce for 30-odd runs, was really good.”

Alzarri Joseph also made a welcome return to the maroon colours after a long layoff.

“I asked him how he felt. He said it was good to be back. He’ll take a little bit of time.”

The head coach’s assessment was blunt in summing up everything.

“All in all, probably 30 runs too many. We took too long to adjust to the conditions. In the batting, we were right there along with the target. We just lost too many wickets at each stage.”

Sammy hinted at possible changes for the second ODI to better balance the side, depending on the surface.

Unlike Wednesday’s pitch, which featured bare patches that assisted turn, Saturday’s strip looks firmer.

“Looking at the surface today, it looked much better, much harder. I expect it to be firmer. I don’t expect it to spin that much,” Sammy said. “But this is the Caribbean, you never know. We have our 12, and we’ll make that final call.”

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, are expected to name an unchanged eleven as they seek to double their lead and claim the three-match series.