DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, CMC – Bowling coach Roddy Estwick has defended the West Indies bowling attack after they managed to get only one Pakistan wicket on the opening day of the historic day/night first Test here yesterday..
The Caribbean side were kept in the field all day as Pakistan, opting to bat first, finished on 279 for one at the Dubai International Stadium.
But despite the lack of success, Estwick said the Windies bowling unit had given their all on a track which was obviously batsman-friendly.
“Obviously we didn’t get a lot of wickets … but I thought the guys worked very hard and they remained disciplined,” Estwick told media here.
“In Test cricket now, teams are scoring at three, three-and-a-half runs per over and we managed to restrict them [to 279 for one] even though we didn’t get wickets. It means we did put in an effort so spineless is not the correct word at all [to describe the Windies bowling].”
West Indies were put to the sword by opener Azhar Ali who carved out a superb unbeaten 146 and his left-handed partner Sami Aslam, who fell short of his maiden Test hundred with 90.
The pair put on 215 for the first wicket – the fourth highest opening partnership in Pakistan Test history – and the stand ensured West Indies went wicket-less in the first two sessions.
Estwick said West Indies could not blame the much-talked about pink ball for their lack of success.
“Obviously Pakistan batted very well and the pitch seemed a very, very good one so we’ve got to work hard and we’ve got to continue to work hard right throughout the Test match,” Estwick contended.
“You can’t hide behind the ball and say the ball is this and the ball is that. It’s the same for both teams, it’s a good pitch and it’s all about hard work. That’s why it’s called Test cricket – it’s a test of your patience, your skill, your endurance and everything.”
He added: “Obviously Pakistan have had the better of the day so we’ve got to come [today] and try and make sure we have the best day possible.”
Sami Aslam was the only wicket to fall on the day, perishing in the final session when he under-edged a sweep and was bowled by off-spinner Roston Chase.
When he was dismissed, West Indies fared little better as the prolific Asad Shafiq, who was unbeaten on 33 at the close, joined Azhar to add a further 64 for the second wicket.
Estwick said early wickets on [the] second day would be crucial in helping West Indies to claw their way back into the Test.
“The key thing is to get some wickets early, and that’s going to be very important that we use the new ball [effectively],” Estwick pointed out.
“We didn’t use the first new ball as well as we would have liked so [today] is going to be key. Shannon Gabriel at the end looked in better rhythm so hopefully [today] we can come and knock a few over and try and create some pressure and create some doubt in their batting.”
