GALLE – Despite a Phil Simmons-sized storm cloud lingering over them, the West Indies cricket team headed into the first Test of the Sobers-Tissera Trophy series against Sri Lanka early this morning (EC time) with realistic expectations of brighter horizons.
Unsettled hosts Sri Lanka have slumped to No. 7 on the ICC Test rankings, just eight points ahead of No. 8 West Indies and both teams have stop-gap head coaches in charge. Indeed, an improbable 2-0 sweep by the visitors in the two-match rubber would turn around the positions.
And new West Indies skipper Jason Holder, three weeks short of his 24th birthday, is aware of the importance of his young charges starting strongly.
“It is vital for us to get into this Sri Lankan team as early as possible. They are, in a sense, finding their way,” he said. “It’s important we start well, put some early pressure on them and make early inroads into their side.”
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