Preparation, application and team play were the key factors that led to West Indies’ 40-run victory over Pakistan in the first Digicel Test in Guyana on Sunday, says manager Richie Richardson.
“I am very pleased with the way the team played and the way the team won the match.
“I thought Pakistan had the better part of the pitch but it was great to see the way our players applied themselves and went out there and played their hearts out. The bowlers stuck to the task and did a fantastic job.
“We also saw some resolute batting when it was required. So I’m very, very pleased for the team and the way they went about the job,” said the former West Indies captain.
“What we are trying to build is a team. We are working on the total team concept where players will have the confidence to go out and perform and know they have a role to play.
“There is wonderful camaraderie among the players and the management staff and we are hoping for this to continue and for the team to continue the brilliant work on the field.”
The West Indies won the low-scoring match thanks to a brilliant fourth-day spell from skipper Darren Sammy, who won the Man-Of-The-Match award for his match figures of 7-45.
He received superb support from pacer Ravi Rampaul, who also took seven in the match, and leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo, who took four wickets in the first innings.
In the latest ICC Test match player rankings released yesterday, Sammy vaulted 16 places to 29th position.
Rampaul has jumped 36 places to the 58th spot after match figures of 7-75, while Bishoo has entered the top 100 in 81st place after figures of 4-68 and 0-56.