“This is very significant. “I’ve been saying for the last few series that every single game is critical, especially given what’s at stake,” West Indies captain Shai Hope said ahead of the fourth ODI on Sunday.
West Indies are not only 2-1 down in the five-match ODI series at home against New Zealand, but they are also ranked No. 10 in the ICC ODI team rankings, which is not a good place to be if they want to qualify directly for the 2027 ODI World Cup after missing out the previous time. The last two games will be played at Kensington Oval in honour of the late Sir Garry Sobers, which will add to the drive to perform well.
“With a lengthy qualification period, I believe these games are more important than others. However, we must continue to play each game as it comes.” We must guarantee that we are following all of our protocols and executing when the time comes, because as you name a game, tomorrow especially, being able to execute under pressure and at those vital moments [is critical].”
Cricket West Indies has made entrance free for the last two games to urge fans to fill the stands in honour of the occasion, and customers who have already purchased tickets will be refunded.
“It was a sad one.” Sobers exemplified the true essence of West Indies cricket. “He’s one of the first legends of the game, and he really set the standard for us all,” Hope added.
“So, I believe tomorrow will be a great source of inspiration and confidence for us.” Not that we’re looking at death to raise ourselves, but we need to play this one for the great guy, and perhaps we’ll achieve the results we desire in his honour as well.”
West Indies have made a number of changes from their first three games. Justin Greaves has recovered from his back ailment and is back in contention, as is Brandon King. They have replaced injured Roston Chase and John Campbell, while Khary Pierre will exit the squad after playing all three games so far. Unfortunately, John has a hamstring issue, thus Justin will return to the squad.
So that’s the major shift,” Hope explained. “Roston, I’m not sure…” Roston was a member of the squad for the last few games, but he was unavailable. Khary Pierre is also out, while Jayden Seales returns after a rest period [after the Tests against Sri Lanka].
“It doesn’t appear to be as slow and low [as Providence, where the first three games were played], but the adaptation must occur when the toss flips and the first ball is bowled. We still need to watch what happens.
We still have a better grasp of the surface here in Barbados, but regardless of how we think it will play, we must assess on the day and be prepared for any challenges we face, both from the opposition and from the conditions.”
In terms of his personal batting form – Hope hit 87 not out in 92 balls in the first ODI, which West Indies won, but has since scored 7 and 8 – he stated, “I don’t really believe in form. It’s about doing what’s necessary for the day.
“It’s just about being able to execute on the day, doing whatever is necessary for the team on a given day.” Personally, I always feel fine before the game. Once I cross the line, I always believe I can complete the task. The biggest goal for me is just to execute under pressure.”
