BIRMINGHAM, England, CMC – Roston Chase says West Indies batsmen were full of confidence as they headed into Saturday’s third day of the day/night opening Test against England, despite seeking to overhaul an imposing total by the hosts.
The Caribbean side ended the day on 44 for one in their first innings, still 470 runs behind England’s 514 for eight declared, but Chase pointed out that most of the batsmen were in good touch following good outings in the preceding tour matches.
“Kieran [Powell] is coming off a good last warm-up match so I know he’s full of confidence,” Chase told reporters following day two of the game at Edgbaston.
“Kyle’s [Hope] been looking good. He also got a hundred in that last match. The batting is full of confidence although we lost that early wicket … Tomorrow in the sunshine we should look to do our best.”
Hope, on debut, was unbeaten on 25 and was partnered by Powell on 18. When rain arrived 25 minutes after tea to end play prematurely, they were involved in a 44-run second wicket stand.
Kraigg Brathwaite, who has struggled in recent games, was the only casualty, nicking a Jimmy Anderspon out-swinger behind in the third over without a run on the board.
However, though the Windies batsmen were expected to be sternly tested with the swinging ball under lights, Chase pushed back on suggestions that the abbreviated final session had worked to the Caribbean side’s advantage.
“The guys were batting well. We were quite confident they would’ve brought us through to the end of play but the rains came and we can’t do anything about that. We just have to look forward to tomorrow,” Chase argued.
The part-time off-spinner had earlier ended with a four-wicket haul as West Indies managed to limit the damage after tea, as England piled up their large total.
He also claimed the precious wicket of opener Alistair Cook for 243 – the left-hander’s fourth Test double hundred – a dismissal which prompted England’s declaration after lunch.
“It was a better day today. Yesterday we weren’t at our best,” the Barbadian said.
“We were a little indisciplined in our bowling but we had a chat about it and we came out and made a better effort today.”
