BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe, CMC – Batsman Roston Chase says he is confident of a West Indies victory in the opening Test but does not expect Zimbabwe to simply roll over in their second innings.
The Caribbean side held a dominant position at the end of yesterday’s day three, reaching 369 for eight in their second innings to lead by 429 runs, heading into the penultimate day of the encounter at Queens Sports Club.
“It’s not going to be easy [to win]. I don’t think the Zimbabwe guys are going to lie down and play dead,” said Chase, who was unbeaten on 91 at the close.
“The same way we fought back in our second innings, I think they will be looking to do that as well but I’m putting all faith in my bowlers to get those 10 wickets. We’re most likely going to have two days to get them so I’m really looking forward for us to get this victory.”
He added: “I think the Zimbabwe players are going to put down their heads a lot more so it will probably take us a little bit more overs to get the job done, so I may be needed to give the fast bowlers a rest.
“I think (Devendra) Bishoo will be key for us. He bowled really well in the first innings and that set the tone for us so I’m hoping he can do it again in the second innings and give us the victory.”
Chase played a key role in helping the Windies assert themselves after they resumed the day on 88 for one.
Opener Kraigg Brathwaite struck a battling 86, Shai Hope got 44 and Kyle Hope, 43, but West Indies lost a clatter of wickets approaching tea, to surrender some of their momentum.
However, Chase stepped up to take responsibility for the innings in a knock that has so far lasted 127 deliveries and included eight fours and a six, putting on 33 for the seventh wicket with captain Jason Holder (24) and 92 for the eighth wicket with Bishoo who made 44.
Chase said he and Holder had made a deliberate attempt to be aggressive after the interval.
“It started from me and the skipper. We both said that we would counter-attack to put a little pressure back on the Zimbabwe guys seeing that we had a sizeable lead already,” Chase told reporters.
“We were just looking for some quick runs and it paid off for us, and made it a lot easier for Bishoo to come out there and just bat normally, and that worked for us in the end.”
